Harry Redknapp resigns as manager of QPR citing need for knee surgery

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/03/harry-redknapp-resigns-qpr-manager

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Related: Fan’s view: Harry Redknapp’s QPR reign has been a predictable shambles | Michael Hann

Harry Redknapp has resigned as manager of Queens Park Rangers, citing the need for “immediate surgery” on his knee. The club coaches Les Ferdinand and Chris Ramsey have been placed in temporary charge of the west London team.

Redknapp, who joined in November 2012, said he told his chairman, Tony Fernandes, of his decision to resign on the early hours of Tuesday morning.

“I was awake all night, thinking about it,” Redknapp told the Daily Mail. “I’m struggling so badly now. I can’t walk, I can barely stand and watch. I’m in pain all the time. I’ve been putting it off, and putting it off, but it has got to the stage where I cannot do the job.

“I went to bed thinking I would sleep on it, but then I couldn’t sleep a wink. That’s when I decided to call Tony. It must have been 5.30am.

“I just told him he needed someone who could properly coach and manage the team in the next 10 weeks. It’s such an important time. They need someone who can give it everything.”

The writing may have been on the wall when Fernandes denied his manager any new signings on transfer deadline day, tweeting: “No more cheque book. We have good players. Bought all the players manager asked for in summer. Our players not mercenaries. Good guys.”

Fernandes then followed up with an implied criticism of the coaching when he said: “If something interesting comes up we would look at it. But I’m not optimistic. Given the right motivation, tactics and coaching we can achieve much more.” QPR are currently battling relegation from 19th in the table.

However, Redknapp denied any falling out over transfers, saying: “I haven’t got the hump, we haven’t had a row. I knew some while ago that we were not going to be able to get much done in January. There are no hard feelings on my part – I’ve not had a problem with Tony Fernandes in all my time there.

Redknapp earlier told www.qpr.co.uk: “I have had such a fantastic time at QPR. I would like to thank the board, the players and all my staff, and especially the supporters who have been absolutely fantastic to me since I arrived at the club for their tremendous support.

“Sadly I need immediate surgery on my knee which is going to stop me from doing my job in the coming weeks. It means I won’t be able to be out on the training pitch every day, and if I can’t give 100% I feel it’s better for someone else to take over the reins.

“My relationship with Tony Fernandes has been one of the highlights of my footballing career and I wish the club every success. I am confident they will survive in the Premier League this year.”

Fernandes added: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank Harry for everything he has done for QPR during his time in charge. We part on good terms and I would personally like to wish him all the best for the future.”