IT WILL be a very unhappy 66 th birthday for Harry Redknapp if QPR fail to get anything out of the trip to Southampton.
But at least one of the two managers should be able to blow out the candles with gusto seeing that Mauricio Pochettino also shares the same anniversary.
The Saints manager was likewise born March 2, albeit 25 years earlier than the Rangers boss (pic), who admits that not even a pair of tickets to see his singing idol Tony Bennett would compensate for a defeat at St Mary’s.
Redknapp added: “My whole weekend will revolve around tomorrow’s game. I’ll be no use to anyone if we lose.”
The Rangers coach admitted he had a modicum of sympathy for deposed Saints boss Nigel Adkins who gave way to be replaced by Pochettino in January.
Redknapp added: “My whole weekend will revolve around tomorrow’s game. I’ll be no use to anyone if we lose.”
The Rangers coach admitted he had a modicum of sympathy for deposed Saints boss Nigel Adkins who gave way to be replaced by Pochettino in January.
“The new guy has come in and looks as if he’s done a great job,” said Redknapp.
“But as for Nigel? Two promotions? What he did was fantastic, but it’s down to the owners, it’s their money and it’s their decision.”
The QPR gaffer is also making his first journey back to Southampton since he was also manager on the south coast in 2004-05 - a spell that saw Saints lose their top-flight spot after 27 years.
Redknapp said: “It’s the first time since I left, and I’ll get a bit of grief, but they’re not bad people down there. In fact, Southampton have a great bunch of supporters.”
