Redknapp talks up Spurs ahead of Hammers clash

Journalists fell about as he reminisced on his eight seasons as West Ham manager, recalling the time when, in one pre-season friendly, he invited a supporter who was especially damning of striker Lee Chapman, to put the boots on and prove he was as good at playing as he was with his criticism.

The fan duly came on, scored, and as he trotted off, called to Redknapp: "See Harry, I told you I was better than that effing Chapman."

Another great story and there are many more where that came from.

Tottenham coach Clive Allen has, like the rest of us, been royally entertained over the years by that knockabout facet of Redknapp's character which so endears him to everyone but there is another side to the man which has impressed the Spurs first-team coach even more.

Allen was at White Hart Lane to watch things unravel under Redknapp's predecessor, Juande Ramos, and is now part of the reconsruction process.

He has seen at close hand the way Redknapp (below) pulls everyone together, repairs the fractures within the camp and heals the rifts.

"One of the biggest things with Harry is communication," said the man who played at both Spurs and West Ham in his time.

"Harry came in with a passion and he's been a breath of fresh air.

"It was difficult with Juande because, with the language difficulties, he couldn't be as precise as he wanted to be.

"Harry, though, talks to everyone, the gardener, the lady who does the laundry, everyone.

"He is constantly asking for input from his coaches, Joe Jordan, Kevin Bond and myself included.

"He didn't have any pre-conceived ideas when he came. He listens to everyone, takes it all in but then makes the final decisions.

"He loves a laugh and a joke but that doesn't mean he's not a serious football man. He demands a lot of the players. He expects a good work ethic from them and he says to them 'show me what you can do'."

Tonight's match is special for Redknapp as he goes back to the club in the East End of London which gave him his big chance, first as a teenage player and then, almost three decades later, as a manager.

Until now he has been given a suitably warm welcome back by the Upton Park crowd and if the reception is as cordial tonight, when he returns as Spurs manager, then he will know he surely holds a special place in their hearts.

"This is a big game for Harry," said Allen. "There is no doubt about the depth of feeling he has for West Ham, it was part of his life for so long, both as a player and then in management.

"I know what he means when he talks about West Ham, the supporters and the history of the club. I sampled it all when I was there as a player.

"He's in charge at Tottenham now,though, and he is dedicated to that cause. He knows the challenge is still a huge one. We were in a dreadful position when he took over. We're far healthier now but there's still a great deal of work to be done.

"West Ham also look like they are improving. They, too, had a difficult spell recently but, from what I saw, they played really well up at Liverpool.

"They look a solid group of players and Gianfranco Zola seems to be getting the response he wants from them."

Redknapp rested several key players for last week's Carling Cup quarter- final at Watford but they should all be back tonight while Croatian Luka Modric is back in training and could also feature.

"The games are coming thick and fast for us at the moment," said Allen. "Our squad at the moment is not the biggest and that is a concern for Harry.

"We want to be involved in every competition, though, so we will have to manage the situation as best we can."

West Ham are another improving side. The goalless draw at Liverpool last Monday means they have kept a clean sheet in their last three matches under Zola, who is as new to management as Redknapp is experienced.

"West Ham have had some problems off the pitch but it's still a big club which has produced some of the finest players in English football," he said.

For Redknapp, however, this match is a serious business so fans are well advised, at least tonight, to leave their football boots behind.