Ashley's 'First Choice' Is Available

Last updated : 04 February 2015 By Footy Mad - Editor

But Harry 'The Bung' knocked it back saying "there is something sadly wrong with that club."

I'm sure there is, but the problem (Ashley) isn't going anywhere soon.

As for Harry ...

Harry Redknapp insists he did not resign as QPR manager because of the club's lack of signings in the January transfer window.

The 67-year-old is already planning a return to football after undergoing knee replacement surgery.

Redknapp quit his post on Tuesday - hours after Rangers had failed to land a number of targets on deadline day, including Tottenham striker Emmanuel Adebayor and West Ham winger Matt Jarvis.

QPR chairman Tony Fernandes accepted the former Tottenham boss's resignation after a 5.30am phone call - a day after tweeting there would be "no more cheque book" as the transfer window closed on Monday.

Redknapp told the Daily Mail: "I haven't got the hump. We haven't had a row. I knew some while ago that we were not going to be able to get much done in January.

"We had one real target on the last day, Emmanuel Adebayor, because we are short up front. But he was too much money. I accept that.

"There are no hard feelings on my part - I've not had a problem with Tony Fernandes in all my time there."

Redknapp added: "I know what people think - that I've been sacked, or stormed off because we couldn't get the players in.

"My son Jamie said that my timing has to be the worst in the world. When I look back on my career, it certainly isn't my strong point but I can't control what people think."

Redknapp has been told he needs replacements for both his knees and the 67-year-old cited his health as a key factor in his decision to leave Loftus Road.

"I was awake all night, thinking about it," Redknapp said. "I'm struggling so badly now. I can't walk, I can barely stand and watch. I'm in pain all the time. 

"I've been putting it off and putting it off but it has got to the stage where I cannot do the job."

Redknapp continued: "I went to bed thinking I would sleep on it, but then I couldn't sleep a wink.

"That's when I decided to call Tony. It must have been 5.30am. I just told him he needed someone who could properly coach and manage the team in the next 10 weeks. It's such an important time. They need someone who can give it everything."

Redknapp was unable to save QPR from relegation in 2013, but led the club back to the top flight at the first time of asking last term.

QPR have been unable to carry that momentum into the current campaign, however, as they sit second bottom of the table with 15 games left.

"I was totally honest with Tony. I told him he needed someone who could commit to every aspect of the job in the next 10 weeks, and that's not me," Redknapp said.

"I still don't think I'm finished with football. When I've had the operations, I'll be looking for work again, I know that. I can't imagine my life without it. But right now, I've got to make my health the priority."
 
 Will QPR stay in the Premier League? Latest odds!

Redknapp earlier said in a QPR statement: "Sadly I need immediate surgery on my knee which is going to stop me from doing my job in the coming weeks.

"It means I won't be able to be out on the training pitch every day, and if I can't give 100 per cent I feel it's better for someone else to take over the reins.

"My relationship with Tony Fernandes has been one of the highlights of my footballing career and I wish the club every success. I am confident they will survive in the Premier League this year."

The former West Ham and Portsmouth boss had continuously claimed he needed to add a host of January reinforcements to his squad in his bid to help QPR avoid the drop.

Fernandes seemed to go against the grain with a tweet on Monday, however, posting: "No more cheque book. We have good players. Bought all the players manager asked for in summer. Our players not mercenaries. Good guys."

While Redknapp's imminent surgery will certainly put him out of commission for some time, there was clear strain behind the scenes between manager and board at Loftus Road.

Fernandes still wished Redknapp well in accepting the former West Ham manager's resignation.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank Harry for everything he has done for QPR during his time in charge," he said in QPR's statement.

"We part on good terms and I would personally like to wish him all the best for the future."

Head of football operations Les Ferdinand has taken temporary charge, supported by Chris Ramsey, while QPR seek a new manager.

Tim Sherwood has been installed as Sky Bet’s early odds-on favourite to become QPR's new manager following Harry Redknapp’s resignation.
 
The former England international was put up at 1/3 for the post in the wake of Redknapp's decision which he explained came about as he requires knee surgery.

First-team coach Glenn Hoddle (4/1) and Les Ferdinand (10/1) -  the latter put in temporary charge of the team along with Chris Ramsey - were next in the early betting but they had flip-flopped by the evening with Hoddle out to 20/1 and Ferdinand shortening to 11/2.

Sky Bet trader Chris Spicer said: “Sherwood seems to be the first name everybody considers for vacancies right now and the punters have reacted quickly by backing him to replace Redknapp.

“However, Ferdinand and Hoddle both look ready-made fits to step up from the backroom staff, albeit with contrasting levels of experience, and are sure to attract interest.”
 
 Check out all the latest odds on the next QPR manager!

Sherwood's only previous management experience came in the second half of last season at Tottenham. He was handed an 18-month contract after the departure of Andre Villas-Boas but only made it to the end of the season as Spurs finished sixth. He was subsequently replaced by Mauricio Pochettino.

Redknapp, who led the side to promotion via the Sky Bet Championship play-offs last season, leaves the Loftus Road outfit 19th in the Premier League table.

They are odds-on at 8/13 for relegation straight back to the second tier having failed to pick up a single point in their 11 away games so far this term.