By HARRY REDKNAPP
FOR the first time in half a century I wasn’t directly involved in football when the season kicked off — and it’s not the nicest feeling in the world.
I haven’t been in this position probably since the age of 15 when I left school and it’s not something I would want to get used to.
But I must say the past six months have been incredibly stressful for various reasons and I must say leaving Tottenham really came out of the blue.
The one thing I can do is walk away with my head held high at the job I did there because I think it’s safe to say everyone sees them as regular Champions League challengers these days.
On the plus side, maybe I did need a little rest from things so now I have the chance to recharge my batteries.
Give it a couple of months and I’ll see what comes up, but I must say I am still as enthusiastic as ever, and I’m sure things will be happening.
In the meantime I will watching my local team Bournemouth and popping down there to take in a few games.
I’ve been to see them a few times in pre-season, and it’s a great little set-up, a really well-run club, and it wouldn’t surprise me to see them go well in League One this season.
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Paul Groves and Shaun Brooks have got things going there and I’d love to see them in the mix for promotion.
As for me, I’m sure I will pop up again before too long. I’ve not finished with football yet, so watch this space.
A LOT of people have told me it will take a few years before Liverpool are back challenging at the top of the table on a regular basis. I disagree entirely.
It would be more of a surprise to me if they WEREN’T in the thick of it for a Champions League place come the end of the season. I know there are plenty who insist it’s a work in progress, and of course Brendan Rodgers will want to stamp his own ideas on things.
The two main signings Rodgers has made — Fabio Borini and Joe Allen — will only make them stronger. I can see them making a real good go of it.
Liverpool are the only change I can see from last season’s top six as it will be a real tough job for Alan Pardew to repeat last year’s heroics at Newcastle.
I’ve already said Arsenal will do well to finish in the top four, although I do like Santi Cazorla, one of their new signings from Malaga. I tried to get him.
Gunners fans are in for a treat watching him — although there might not be much else for them to cheer over the months.
