16 February 2023 , 10:20
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Harry Redknapp is willing to make a sensational return to management if Leeds ask him to come out of retirement.
Fellow managerial veteran Neil Warnock, 74, took over Championship strugglers Huddersfield this week after returning to the game on a short-term deal. Now Redknapp, 75, is up for the Leeds job on a similar arrangement after the Yorkshire club suffered a series of set-backs looking for a successor to Jesse Marsch.
Leeds, who are 17th in the Premier League, have been rebuffed by Carlos Corberan and seen moves for Rayo Vallecano’s Andoni Iraola and Feyenoord’s Arne Slot stall. Redknapp hasn’t managed since 2017 after leaving Birmingham but kept Portsmouth in the Premier League in 2005/2006 when they lost only two of their last 10 games.
He later won the FA Cup with the South Coast club in his second spell at the club in 2008 before moving to Tottenham. He guided Spurs into the Champions League where he helped develop Gareth Bale in his 34-year managerial career.
Redknapp has since become a respected pundit like son Jamie and was voted king of the jungle in ‘I’m A Celebrity’ in 2018.
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Leeds’ struggle to find a new boss has seen caretaker Michael Skubala been given the green light to remain in charge at Elland Road for upcoming fixtures against Everton and Southampton this month.
Would Harry Redknapp keep Leeds up this season? Comment here
Harry Redknapp is hoping to get a call from Leeds (Mike Marsland/WireImage)But Leeds’ Under-21s head coach lacks experience and Redknapp is willing to step in to take the job until the end of the season.
Leeds said in a statement confirming Skubala's extended stay in the dugout: "Leeds United can confirm Michael Skubala will continue to lead the men's first team for the club's upcoming fixtures. Paco Gallardo and Chris Armas will carry on supporting Michael, alongside the backroom team already in place.
"Skubala, Gallardo and Armas have overseen two positive performances over the last week against Manchester United and will lead training ahead of this weekend's Premier League game against Everton at Goodison Park."
Harry Redknapp started his managerial career in 1983 at Bournemouth (Max Mumby/Getty Images)Leeds had led 2-0 at Old Trafford in Skubala's first game in charge last week before drawing 2-2, and lost 2-0 to two goals in the final 10 minutes in the second meeting between the two Roses rivals in the space of five days at Elland Road on Sunday.
Former England Under-18s boss Skubala said: "I have really enjoyed the experience and the team and staff have responded well. I know I speak for Paco and Chris when I say that it is an honour to be on the touchline at this club.
"We will continue to work tirelessly to help to push on up the table in the short term, whilst the board focus on the long-term future of the team."