Redknapp new assistant boss - all but in name

Last updated : 10 January 2002 By
looking the the same direction
Harry Redknapp has today revealed that he saved Graham Rix's job - informing Mandaric that he believed Rix needed more time and sparing him from the axe - this should stop rumours stating that Redknapp is itching to step into the manager's shoes at Pompey.

However Redknapp will become more involved with the day to day running of the club - with Rix maintaining total control of team selection and coaching at the training ground. Redknapp will merely act as an advisor but will expect his opinion to be listened to and it would be stupid for Rix to shun help offered.

Redknapp will watch from the directors box, advising Rix on tactics and team selection with Neil McNab stepping up from the reserve team to help Rix on the day in the dug out. It is likely that the phone from the directors box to the bench will see a bit more use in upcoming months.

Mandaric has also made Rix do more scouting and watching of teams in an attempt for the manager to change his tactics to suit other teams playing style. Redknapp will also accompany Rix as well as Chief Scout Andy Awford. All three will be watching Bradford vs Walsall tonight.

However despite crisis meetings, the perfect senario of Redknapp helping Rix on the training ground has not materialised - due to the fact that Rix has never wanted Redknapp undermiming his authority at the club. It seems like Rix has been given a massive workload from this meeting and it will be interesting to see if another coach is drafted in the help the manager.

If Rix and Redknapp's relationship develops with both listening to eachother it could be the 'dream team' that Mandaric so wants with two big names in football. However as we have seen with Roy Evans and Gerard Houllier or Bryan Robson and Terry Venables two heads are rarely better than one when it comes to football management.

Let's hope that Pompey are the exception...