Rio Ferdinand is set to return for QPR against Aston Villa tomorrow with his manager’s endorsement ringing in his ears - despite the defender’s indifferent form.
In what the former Manchester United player claims is his last season before retirement, Harry Redknapp reluctantly agreed that going from trophy winning at star-studded United to battling for Rs' Premier League survival has been soemthing of a culture shock for a man who will be 36 on November 7.
However, his last manager if Ferdinand does hangs up his boots, insists he is up for the fight.
“It’s not been as easy for Rio, has it?” said Redknapp.
“But it’s funny how someone looks for a scapegoat, and it’s all been Rio’s fault.
“Obviously it’s different (from United), but when we didn’t play well it wasn’t Rio.
“When we went to Tottenham, him and (Steven) Caulker were the only two ho came out of it with any credit, even though we got beat 4-0.
I’m sure Rio will make a great manager (in the future). He’s a great lad, and he works hard and shows a great attitude.
“He’s the first out in training and I’m delighted to have him at the club.”
Keep up to date with all the build-up, matchday and post-game reaction to QPR v Aston Villa right here on GetWestLondon.
