Harry Redknapp, also known as Henry James Redknapp, was born on March 2nd, 1947 in Poplar, London and is a famous former English football player. Harry Redknapp is the current manager of Portsmouth in the English Premier League. Harry Redknapp is no stranger to football running in the family. Harry’s son Jamie Redknapp played under his father at Bournemouth and even at Southampton. Harry Redknapp is also Frank Lampard’s uncle who is a Chelsea player – who played with him at West Ham United. Harry Redknapp has a strong history connected to West Ham United, which is where he began playing his football career. Harry Redknapp signed his professional term as a seventeen-year-old as a winger at Upton Park to make another 149 appearances and scoring eight goals. In 1972, Harry Redknapp transferred to Bournemouth and spent four years playing over 101 games, and later moved back to London. In the 1982-83 season, Harry Redknapp took up his first major coaching role and was assistant manager to David Webb at AFC Bournemouth. Later, Harry Redknapp applied for the manager’s position when Webb moved through the season, but was overseen in favour of Don Megson. In late 1983, Don Megson was fired and Harry Redknapp rose to the occasion as manager.
Harry Redknapp practically transformed the Portsmouth club when he became manager. Redknapp guided Pompey from Division One to promotion to the 2003 Premiership. Harry Redknapp brought in players like Teddy Sheringham and Tim Sherwood. Furthermore, Harry’s partnership with Jim Smith helped propel the club to higher levels. In 2004, Harry Redknapp resigned as Manager of Portsmouth, which subsequently raised a lot of speculation. Redknapp cited his need for a break from football and his tense relationship with Chairman Milan Mandaric as one of the reasons for his leave. Redknapp was quoted saying, “It was my decision and something I have been thinking about for some time. I made it without any pressure from the chairman or the board. I feel very proud of both my own and the club's achievements over the last two-and-a-half years, leaving them in an excellent position. I will now spend a short period of time to rest, re-charge my batteries before contemplating my future." After a short stay, Redknapp came back to take the spotlight.
According to BBC Panorama, in September 2006, Redknap was shown on camera approaching a player illegally, something that Harry Redknapp later denies. No charges has been pressed against the Portsmouth manager, but he has willingly approached the police since the incident occurred.
