Redknapp defends Allardyce, backs Hoddle for England

Matt Stead

Harry Redknapp has defended Sam Allardyce, and has backed Glenn Hoddle as the “perfect choice” for the England job.

Allardyce left his role as England manager by mutual consent on Tuesday evening, having been secretly filmed holding controversial conversations with an undercover reporter for the Daily Telegraph.

The 61-year-old discussed a number of subjects, including the potential contravention of FA regulations over third-party ownerships, his predecessor, Roy Hodgson, and some of his current England players.

The FA announced on Tuesday evening that Allardyce had left his role by mutual consent, as they expect better behaviour from the manager of the national team. It’s a whole sorry mess.

Redknapp defended the former Bolton, Newcastle and Sunderland manager on BT Sport.

“He’s been trapped – unscrupulous people have set him up,” he said.

“Do other countries set up their managers in a trap like they’ve trapped him?”

Asked who should succeed Allardyce, Redknapp had only one man in mind.

“I still think he’s the best man for the job, the man sitting next to me,” Redknapp said, pointing at Hoddle. “I do really. I’ve said it before: he’s perfect for me. He’d be a perfect choice. He’d be the perfect choice for that job, I think.”