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Revealed: Why Harry Redknapp blasted Ledley King’s call-up
Andrew Hodgson25.03.09
It has emerged that a decision by Steve McClaren is at the centre of the fall-out between England coach Fabio Capello and Spurs manager Harry Redknapp.
McClaren's insistence on playing Ledley King - despite telling Tottenham he would not risk the player - in two internationals while he was in charge of the national team in 2007 planted the seeds of mistrust between club and country that have surfaced again this week.
King, who was suffering from the same chronic knee injury, which has since deteriorated, played against Brazil and Estonia over the course of six days two years ago, which led to him breaking down and left Spurs without one of their best players for the next six months.
Tottenham believe McClaren's England regime, who put King into the team to replace the injured Owen Hargreaves in the holding midfield role, did not understand the uniqueness of the defender's injury and put him under unnecessary strain.
Redknapp blasted Capello's decision to call up the defender because he feared a repeat of the scenario that backfired on the club two years ago. The fact that the Football Association issued a statement on Monday night saying they would not put the player at risk, a virtual repeat of what had been said to the club when McClaren was in charge, merely added to the "nervous" feeling of deja vu at White Hart Lane.
Tottenham believe Redknapp had every right to voice his concerns, particularly as King has been the linchpin of Tottenham's recovery from a disastrous start to the season which saw them dragged into the relegation zone.
Redknapp's efforts to stop England playing King, he described the call-up as “mad”, have now led to claims that Capello sees the Spurs boss as a trouble maker with a personal agenda against his regime.
Capello insists that he has not ruled out calling up King again if he feels the player can help England qualify for the next World Cup finals. The storm has left the player feeling upset and unsure about his future at international level.
He intends to speak to Tottenham, and his advisors, before deciding whether to announce his retirement from international football so he can prolong his club career.
Reader views (6)
Surely if he cant train and play for his country due to this injury, his career should be over.
- Brian, Wiltshire
You have to wonder how much Redknapp is playing his other agenda in this. He is well known for aspiring to the England manager's job. A successful Capello does not augur well for Redknapp.
- Tim, London, UK
As a Spurs supporter I am glad that Ledley has returned to Tottenham. I can understand Harry not trusting England to do the right thing, as this has happened before. But what about Ledley? he has near come out and said he does not want to play for England again, so I would think he still hopes to play. A 100% Ledley would play nearly every game for England like Gerrard does, but this is not the case, with agreement from Spurs, could Ledley not be a squad player. My thoughts are he could be used at present as back-up for Terry etc. This would allow him to part of Cappello's plans and be a member of the England group of players.
- R. Bailey, London, UK
Redknapp created the problem himself. All he had to do is advise the player and Capello about the problem and not let the player join the group.
Come on Redknapp you have enough experience to know what to do.
- A.Messina, Malta
WHEN REDKNAPP JOINED SPURS HE SLAUGHTERED RAMOS FOR LETTING KING PICK AND CHOOSE HIS GAMES SAYING WHY CANT HE PLAY TWICE A WEEK?. NOW IT SEEMS HIS TUNE HAS CHANGED. SAME OLD REDKNAPP EVERYONES FAULT BUT HIS OWN.
- Gunnerken, essex uk
OF COURSE REDKNAPP IS RIGHT LEDLEY IS FORTUNATE TO BE ABLE TO TURN OUT FOR SPURS NO WAY COULD HE COPE FOR ENGLAND I CANNOT UNDERSTAND WHY CAPPELLO DOES NOT UNDERSTAND THIS
- J Windsor, LONDON ENGLAND
