Harry Redknapp: Klopp and Guardiola would struggle to keep this Luton team up… Rob Edwards could be a miracle worker
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THERE have been some classic Christmas hits over the years… and a few no one would have predicted.
I’m reliably informed that Mr Blobby, Bob the Builder and Lily the Pink were all No 1s — and I don’t think too many saw them coming.
So with the Big Day tomorrow, I thought I’d pick my chart toppers.
Maybe not in terms of a place in the table but definitely so when it comes to the job they’re doing.
Of course, if silverware and success were the only criteria, Pep Guardiola is streets ahead.
Five trophies in one year for Manchester City. That will never — can never — be bettered.
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And Friday’s disappointing draw with Sheffield United doesn’t mean Unai Emery has been anything but an absolute star at Aston Villa.
I know that blew Villa’s chance to go top but don’t go overboard — they are still right in the mix. I’ll come back to him, though.
Because the one who has really worked a water-into-wine miracle is Luton boss Rob Edwards. In so many ways.
Look, I know it will probably end in relegation. Let’s face it, Pep, Jurgen Klopp or whoever you name would struggle to keep them up.
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I always say the best teams have the best players and Luton haven’t got too many stars, didn’t spend any money and have a small squad.
But that doesn’t mean Edwards is a poor manager. For me, it’s the total opposite. And he’s certainly put the hard yards in to get there, from a less than glamorous starting point.
Forest Green to be exact, where he won the title and took them into League One for the first time ever — and got the Watford job.
He never had a chance there — you’re in a long list, Rob — so fair play to Luton for giving him a crack. That’s what you call a punt paying off, as well.
Tenth in the Championship when he was appointed, third by the end and a day they’ll never forget at Wembley in the play-off final.
Rob won’t be in the running for the usual end-of-season awards but he edges mine for what he’s done so far.
Harry Redknapp
A one-season stay it may be but the memories keep on coming. And what a bond he has built.
Getting the best out of what you’ve got is vital for any manager, even more so when there are no superstars. Well, you won’t find many at Luton but they can match anyone for spirit.
Yesterday’s win over Newcastle, a draw with Liverpool and pushing City and Arsenal close proves that.
As much as I’d love to see them survive, that would be the biggest miracle of all. And highly unlikely.
But it still doesn’t take away from how good Edwards has been — and how impressively he handles himself, too, because there’s been a lot to cope with outside of football.
Rob won’t be in the running for the usual end-of-season awards but he edges mine for what he’s done so far.
He’s not the only boss who’s stood out, though, and Emery has been magnificent at Villa. Disappointing against the Blades, for sure but everyone has the odd blip.
I’m not the only one who didn’t think Villa would be above both Manchester clubs, Spurs, Chelsea and Newcastle — not by chance, either.
I’m not saying they’re going to win the title — I fancied United in August, so you wouldn’t back my tips anyway — but Emery’s certainly making it a season to remember.
It’s turned out that way for Everton, too, although not in the way they hoped because of that ten-point penalty.
Look, I know it will probably end in relegation. But let’s face it, Pep, Jurgen Klopp or whoever you name would struggle to keep them up.
Harry Redknapp
But if there’s one man you’d want in charge when things are going against you, it’s Sean Dyche, who’s always got the best out of people and is doing so again at Goodison Park.
Wolves manager Gary O’Neil needs a mention as well and Newcastle fans idolise Eddie Howe for a reason — they know they’ve got a diamond.
I love the way he has given the kids a chance and wasn’t scared to play 17-year-old midfielder Lewis Miley in France against Paris Saint-Germain. That’s what it’s all about.
Talking of players, by the way, there’s a good argument that the best two in Europe right now are both English. Just a shame that they’re playing abroad.
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Harry Kane, with 25 goals for Bayern Munich, and Jude Bellingham tearing it up every week for Real Madrid.
It would be great if they were playing in the Premier League. Fingers crossed they’re both fit for the Euros next summer.