John Hartson has 'a heart of gold' says Spurs manager Harry Redknapp

24 July 2009 10:39
Redknapp, who managed Hartson at West Ham, said that that the former Wales international had been due to spend some days at Tottenham as he prepared to take his coaching badges and embark on a new career. "I ring every day - I can't believe what has happened to big John," said Redknapp. "He would be right at the top of my list of all-time favourite players that I have ever worked with. He's got a heart of gold, fantastic boy. "I was on the phone for about 45 minutes to him recently, he is doing his coaching badges, wants to get involved in coaching. I told him to come and spend a couple of days down here with us when he is passing or when he is in London." Redknapp is actively involved with Bobby Moore's cancer fund and said that he had hoped that Hartson's situation would send a powerful message to other young men. "John had a problem, he had lumps, he had testicular cancer," said Redknapp. "He thought 'I feel okay' and it has attacked him in other parts of his body. The message to any young man is that you are not too young to get it. "Any young person should keep checking themselves and, if they do have a problem, get it sorted. We are all pulling for the big man and if anyone can pull through it John can - he is as strong as an ox. He is a real fighter."

Source: Telegraph