Football: Tottenham Hotspur – The Harry Redknapp Effect

Despite conceding an early goal to a confident Liverpool outfit, Tottenham still found a way to secure the points, at White Hart Lane on Saturday. This, after Wednesday’s thrilling draw at The Emirates, suggests that the Harry Redknapp effect, has been immediate.

It makes one wonder, just what was happening under the management of Juande Ramos? Brilliant in Seville. Out of his depth in North London.

With the same group of talented players, Redknapp has instilled confidence and belief, in a matter of days. Whilst some tactical acumen is at play, the transformation, is down to simple man-management skills.

Enthusing players; playing them in the right positions; reminding them of their strengths; reinforcing good habits; giving them roles they can fulfil; confirming when they do things well. Making players feel good about themselves. Creating a desire to play football.

All of this, is making Harry Redknapp look like a blessed manager. Who, within days, can turn a bottom of the table team, into potential top four material. And this is partly true. But he inherited a team with low morale. A team that desperately needed rescuing. And they found exactly the right man to do it.

The Tottenham board, have made many managerial mistakes over the years. Foreign managers, out of their depth. From Gross, to Santini and Ramos. But, in their hour of need, they may well have found salvation.

Give Harry Redknapp time, and he could well restore the good name, heritage and prestige, of Tottenham Hotspur. Perhaps now, Bill Nicholson, will finally be able to rest easily.

Posted in Football Psychology, Sports Psychology Blog.