Harry Redknapp: pub is a great place for scouting players
What are your expectations for the BT Sport Pub Cup final at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium?
There should be some talented players there because I'm pretty sure a few pubs will find some high-quality players that drink in their pub. It’ll be a great day for the two pub teams who go through to play at the Emirates Stadium.
Are you planning to share your managerial wisdom with the teams?
I'll be telling the lads not to have their pints of beer before the game, but to wait until afterwards.
Ex-Premier League players David James and John Hartson will each be managing a team in the final. Who is your money on?
I love the pair of them. David James was a fantastic goalkeeper for me. While John Hartson turned West Ham around for me when he came as a player; we would have got relegated without him. I owe so much to both of those lads; they are two of the best players I've ever managed in terms of what they did. Although I must admit, I've always felt that goalkeepers are not the most knowledgeable people about football.
How did it feel to return to the Black Lion, Plaistow, east London, where you filmed the promo video?
When I was a West Ham player, we used to go there on a Saturday night after the game. The whole team would be in there and the food, atmosphere and music would be fantastic, especially if we won.
Has it changed much since you were last there?
Frank Lampard Sr bought the pub off the people that used to own it when I was a player and the present owner has now had it for over 20 years. He's a great guy, who loves his football, and it's a good sporting pub. I'm sure they will have a decent team in the pub cup.
What is your tipple of choice?
Nowadays, I'll have a glass of wine when I go out for a meal. I used to drink Bacardi & Coke in my pubgoing days, but I've never actually drunk a glass of beer.
Is the pub a good source for opinions about players?
I have often said that if you are going to check out a player, you should go to a pub before the game because you'd probably find out more about the player by getting the honest opinion of fans that watch them week in, week out.
- For your team’s chance to meet Harry Redknapp and play at the Emirates Stadium, sign up for the BT Sport Pub Cup. For more information visit btsportpubcup.com
