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Always Managing: My Autobiography
The autobiography of one of the greatest living English soccer managers of his generation From kicking a ball as a kid under the street lamps of Poplar and standing on Highbury's North Bank with my dad, to my first game at West Ham, I was born head over heels in love with football. It saved me, and 50 years on that hasn't changed one bit—I’d be lost without it… Harry Redknapp is the manager who has seen it all—from training pitches with trees in the middle to the unbeatable highs of the Premiership, lifting the FA Cup and taking on Real Madrid in the Champions League. With his much loved, no-nonsense delivery, Harry brings us a story filled with passion and humor that takes you right inside every drama of his career. Harry finally tells the full story of all the controversial ups and downs—the pain and heartache of his court case, the England job, his love for Bobby Moore, his adventures at Portsmouth with Milan Mandaric, Tottenham and Daniel Levy, and not forgetting his years at West Ham or the challenges at his current club QPR. It's the epic journey of one of the great managers and, along the way, the story of the British game itself over the last five decades. In an era now dominated by foreign coaches Harry is the last of an old-fashioned breed of English soccer men—one who has managed to move with the times and always come out fighting.
432 pages, Paperback
First published October 4, 1999
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
August 26, 2014
One of my favourite books about a true character in the beautiful game. He is not the stereotypical wheeler-dealer Del-Boy that we all like to portray him as, though he does show a bit of that in the book, particularly with Bournemouth, there is a lot more to the manager and man than that.
He has no qualms about showing that he is most comfortable with football in his life and shows that it doesn't take all the analysis and statistics the modern managers of today to become a great manager. His methods on treating players like Merson and Kanu while at his club and why three good players will always be better for a relegation-battling side than one true great with a bad attitude show why he has kept up with the times when other managers have fallen by the wayside (and shows why QPR could not be saved, that was a shambles of a club, if the documentary on them didn't show that already.)
But it's the stories around the football rather than on it that make this book stand out as one of the best autobiographies on the sport. The antics of Paulo Di Canio, how Kanu still had a few years left in him, playing with Bobby Moore, there's more to this manager than most modern equivalents today. This is football from the 60's still working in the world of today and in the end you have to admire the more-rounded character that this book shows. A must-read in my opinion.
He has no qualms about showing that he is most comfortable with football in his life and shows that it doesn't take all the analysis and statistics the modern managers of today to become a great manager. His methods on treating players like Merson and Kanu while at his club and why three good players will always be better for a relegation-battling side than one true great with a bad attitude show why he has kept up with the times when other managers have fallen by the wayside (and shows why QPR could not be saved, that was a shambles of a club, if the documentary on them didn't show that already.)
But it's the stories around the football rather than on it that make this book stand out as one of the best autobiographies on the sport. The antics of Paulo Di Canio, how Kanu still had a few years left in him, playing with Bobby Moore, there's more to this manager than most modern equivalents today. This is football from the 60's still working in the world of today and in the end you have to admire the more-rounded character that this book shows. A must-read in my opinion.
November 2, 2016
DNF at 16%. It's not that this book is very bad or poorly written, no. But I just gradually lost my interest in it, plus, I just did not find a connection with it. (Yes, it is a polite way to say that it was boring. Sorry, Harry)
November 18, 2013
As sports autobiographies go, this is one of the better ones.
Harry Redknapp was a right winger for West Ham in the 1960's when I first encountered him.He wasn't the world's greatest player, though he was good enough to hold down a place in a top division team for quite a few years. He disappeared for a while (to the USA, it transpires from reading his book), and then started off in football management 30 years ago. This book tells us mainly about those 30 years in management.
But it's not a glorified timeline, with fluffy bits added in by a ghost writer, like so many sports books of this type. No, it's a lot more than that.
Firstly, there's a lot of real laugh out loud humour in the book - some of the stories he tells are genuinely funny - and I suspect, are some of the only really true bits of the book....
He is also very straight talking when it comes to people - if he likes someone, he says it, but if he thinks someone is a bit of a worm, he's not slow in coming forward with his opinions either. Given that he's still an active football manager, and that a lot of the people he rips into are also still very active within the game - well, there should be some interesting meetings going on in boardrooms and on touchlines for the next few months.
Not that any awkwardness would seem to bother Redknapp too much - he seems to portray himself as a pretty simple, straightforward sort of bloke, who says things as he sees them, but also has a degree of humility about him. He also makes out that he's incredibly naive when it comes to money, and the ways of the world. Given that he's been at the butt end of quite a few high profile events (including a protracted court case with HMRC) then there is either quite a lot of evidence to substantiate this naivety, or it's a slight case of "The manager doth protest...."
You can't but help get the feeling that vast tracts of this book have been written to try and portray some sort of character, or character traits, that the author would like the world to see in him. And maybe in this the book succeeds - but maybe a better and fuller title might be "Always managing... to get away with things by the seat of my pants".
But all in all, for a variety of reasons, it's a good read, and I'd recommend it to anyone with more than a passing interest in football and intriguing financial affairs.
Harry Redknapp was a right winger for West Ham in the 1960's when I first encountered him.He wasn't the world's greatest player, though he was good enough to hold down a place in a top division team for quite a few years. He disappeared for a while (to the USA, it transpires from reading his book), and then started off in football management 30 years ago. This book tells us mainly about those 30 years in management.
But it's not a glorified timeline, with fluffy bits added in by a ghost writer, like so many sports books of this type. No, it's a lot more than that.
Firstly, there's a lot of real laugh out loud humour in the book - some of the stories he tells are genuinely funny - and I suspect, are some of the only really true bits of the book....
He is also very straight talking when it comes to people - if he likes someone, he says it, but if he thinks someone is a bit of a worm, he's not slow in coming forward with his opinions either. Given that he's still an active football manager, and that a lot of the people he rips into are also still very active within the game - well, there should be some interesting meetings going on in boardrooms and on touchlines for the next few months.
Not that any awkwardness would seem to bother Redknapp too much - he seems to portray himself as a pretty simple, straightforward sort of bloke, who says things as he sees them, but also has a degree of humility about him. He also makes out that he's incredibly naive when it comes to money, and the ways of the world. Given that he's been at the butt end of quite a few high profile events (including a protracted court case with HMRC) then there is either quite a lot of evidence to substantiate this naivety, or it's a slight case of "The manager doth protest...."
You can't but help get the feeling that vast tracts of this book have been written to try and portray some sort of character, or character traits, that the author would like the world to see in him. And maybe in this the book succeeds - but maybe a better and fuller title might be "Always managing... to get away with things by the seat of my pants".
But all in all, for a variety of reasons, it's a good read, and I'd recommend it to anyone with more than a passing interest in football and intriguing financial affairs.
January 3, 2014
Although I am a big football fan (LFC), I was sceptical when my fella bought me this book for Christmas. I have read footballing autobiographies before and they really aren't that well written. So I was completely surprised how absorbed I became in this one. I think it is due to Harry's vast experience in the game that made this tale particularly entertaining and insightful. His chapter on Bobby Moore was fantastic and some of the tales of premiership footballers were hilarious and at times, shocking. A must read for/any football fan.
December 7, 2014
Another autobiography by Harry Redknapp.
An easy entertaining read with stories from his career that highlight how football has changed from the working man's game where players used to drink and eat unhealthily to today's millionaire players who are instructed to follow strict diets. Harry never fails to entertain and his anecdotes give an insight into way he operates and the strain behind the scenes with his court case etc.
An easy entertaining read with stories from his career that highlight how football has changed from the working man's game where players used to drink and eat unhealthily to today's millionaire players who are instructed to follow strict diets. Harry never fails to entertain and his anecdotes give an insight into way he operates and the strain behind the scenes with his court case etc.
January 28, 2020
3.5 stars
Husband read and enjoyed.
Husband read and enjoyed.
September 26, 2021
Absolutely superb autobiography, perfect for a football fan like me with a soft spot for the intense detail and uncovered insight into football clubs. With Harry’s career spanning over 30 years, the differences between the modern game and how it was all those years ago are highlighted so well - to have this perspective from a man who has been there at the highest level and experienced the change first hand is a real treat. It’s interesting for me especially because you learn more about how the game was in the 70s/80s.
Packed full of great stories from both his playing and managing days, I could hardly put it down - I just wanted to keep reading these fascinating anecdotes, which Harry has fantastic recall for detail with. I’ve already started bidding on another one of his books on eBay, as I need more behind the scenes stories. I would recommend this to any football fan!
Packed full of great stories from both his playing and managing days, I could hardly put it down - I just wanted to keep reading these fascinating anecdotes, which Harry has fantastic recall for detail with. I’ve already started bidding on another one of his books on eBay, as I need more behind the scenes stories. I would recommend this to any football fan!
April 20, 2020
If you have been around when Harry was playing or Managing, it's a very entertaining book. But it's an enjoyable book for any English football fan or somebody who's familiar with the English Premier league. Harry is a funny man and he has many stories to tell. From his early days as a winger for the hammers to his champions league adventures with spurs; from his FA cup win with Portsmouth to his difficult time managing QPR, Harry tries to present his perspective on the highlights of his career in football. The presentation of the stories might not be arranged as I would've liked but a 4 star seems just about right.
October 20, 2020
I was unsure as to whether to but this because although i love football biographies i did not know that much about Harry Redknapp other than his son was Jamie (who played for Liverpool as well as others). I am glad i decided to give it a try. Here is a man who has seen it all from his childhood onwards football has always and probably always will be a part of his life. Its not all funny anecdotes (although there are plenty of these), there is a lot more serious issues which he opens up about including various court cases and even losing one of his closest friends in a car accident that could easily have ended his own life. A thorough and very frank life story of the man i still think is the best manager never to manage England (he would have worked wonders) :)
December 2, 2024
Interesting insight into the man. Was a good read about his stint at Pompey, then to Saints then back to Pompey. If you’re a football fan you’ll understand the intensity of that rivalry and it’s very rare for players or managers to switch directly to the ‘enemy’
I would’ve like to of read more about his spell with Spurs and a bit more insight to his time at West Ham. But there was enough to understand the man in general.
Overall a decent read, some chapters slightly too long and found stories went from one thing to the next too quickly then back again to the origin of the story. But it was more of how conversations would go, talk about how it happened, go off course, then back to what happened and how it ended.
I would’ve like to of read more about his spell with Spurs and a bit more insight to his time at West Ham. But there was enough to understand the man in general.
Overall a decent read, some chapters slightly too long and found stories went from one thing to the next too quickly then back again to the origin of the story. But it was more of how conversations would go, talk about how it happened, go off course, then back to what happened and how it ended.
March 5, 2018
How many books does a footballer really have to write?! A legend as he certainly is, should have settled with a couple: an autobiography and one for great stories as this provides.
Written with perspectives on feelings and thoughts about football then versus present. Very British, straight forward and no bollox. Affective, honest and full of background details you have seen on Television and Internet. Definitely not a fast read. He seems to dwell on things and the content shifts in quality.
I did like it plenty, but nothing that particularly doesn't stick to mind afterwards. Some of the stories more than others, and mainly becomes one of those books you read in your past.
Written with perspectives on feelings and thoughts about football then versus present. Very British, straight forward and no bollox. Affective, honest and full of background details you have seen on Television and Internet. Definitely not a fast read. He seems to dwell on things and the content shifts in quality.
I did like it plenty, but nothing that particularly doesn't stick to mind afterwards. Some of the stories more than others, and mainly becomes one of those books you read in your past.
April 10, 2020
Football, football, and yip, more football.
So sorry Harry, did watch "I'm a celebrity", and I guess, was kind of hoping for a little less, well.....football. To be honest the first chapter almost bored me to tears, and for a non football fan, kinda proves the point...that money has wasted any of my what my friends call "The beautiful game". That being said, there was just enough jam on the rolly polliy, to keep me interested from start to finish.HIGHLY Recommend, but only to football fans.
So sorry Harry, did watch "I'm a celebrity", and I guess, was kind of hoping for a little less, well.....football. To be honest the first chapter almost bored me to tears, and for a non football fan, kinda proves the point...that money has wasted any of my what my friends call "The beautiful game". That being said, there was just enough jam on the rolly polliy, to keep me interested from start to finish.HIGHLY Recommend, but only to football fans.
May 20, 2022
This book wasn't as funny as I was expecting, considering how funny the writer often is on TV. It's more heart felt. He talks about his struggles, frustrations and inspirations when coaching West Ham and Pourtsmouth ( with a little bit of Southampton and Tottenham). He also talks a lot about family values which is refreshing and very rarely heard of. Overall, a good book, but it drags on a bit.
April 26, 2023
Being a fan of football from the 1960s onwards, it was great to read about the game as it used to be, Redknapp's ssociation with the World Cup winning players at West Ham, and how he became one of the best managers in the UK. He's amusing and very likeable. Enjoyable even if you are not a football fan.
January 24, 2024
I guess as Footballers autobiography’s this one was okay, however o feel if you don’t have an interest n football you would find this book very slow. For those who do like football i feel the Harry Redknapp’s reputation in football is what keeps you reading the book. You could easily skip 2 pages for every 20 pages and still have the same understanding of a person who has read the entire thing.
October 2, 2024
Good read. Was probably hoping for more funny stories you’d associate with Harry. He has certainly been a great manager who has performed miracles with teams who never seemed to have a hope at staying up or even winning a league title or silverware. You can’t help but wonder what he could’ve done with the England team. Another choice overlooked by the FA as with Brian Clough ?
March 10, 2019
An excellent account of a very successful time being involved with football. It is alive with wonderful stories of the people he interacts with, it has humour, stress for him and at the end of it all...a true love of his wife Sandra who is extra special within his life. A great read.
March 24, 2019
Good ‘honest’ writing
An honest account of Harry’s life in football. Well as honest as Harry can be.........it seems he has just been a bit unlucky meeting the darker side of football transfers
An honest account of Harry’s life in football. Well as honest as Harry can be.........it seems he has just been a bit unlucky meeting the darker side of football transfers
October 16, 2019
Loved this book from start to finish. I love an autobiography and this was one of my favourites. What an amazing career this man had in football and the stories he tells are so good. Not often a book makes you laugh out loud but this one certainly did
September 9, 2022
As a big fan of Harry Redknapp I was looking forward to reading this book.
For me sadly it was disappointing. And I didn't enjoy much of the book at all.
Just lots of very similar stories.
Stick to TV and radio and leave the books alone.
For me sadly it was disappointing. And I didn't enjoy much of the book at all.
Just lots of very similar stories.
Stick to TV and radio and leave the books alone.
June 11, 2023
I enjoyed most of this book. It should be 4 star, but there's a bit too much moaning in there. I feel he's constantly trying to explain himself to rumours, such as his financial dealings, or his football decisions. That gets a bit tiresome.
Still worth a read though!
Still worth a read though!
August 11, 2018
What a character
I don’t think any other high calibre manager would ever do half the stuff Harry did it’s just Harry being himself and it’s brilliant to read.
I don’t think any other high calibre manager would ever do half the stuff Harry did it’s just Harry being himself and it’s brilliant to read.
November 29, 2018
Interesting read
Really good read but targeted for football minded people. Don't think non football readers would go much on the content as they basically would not follow it
Really good read but targeted for football minded people. Don't think non football readers would go much on the content as they basically would not follow it
March 28, 2019
Great read of the ups and downs of his footballing / managerial career
June 18, 2019
Good interesting read but unfortunately didn’t know a lot of the footballers names but still enjoyed their.
August 3, 2019
I do enjoy the occasional biographies and this took ten days only. Crikey he has some stories, easy reading and well put together. Well done 'arry!!!!
I was curious to know where it was going QPR at the end but it seemed he'd caught up. So the next book for 'Arry will be bits and pieces of the past eh! Good insight into football and one of todays Managerial gems. He knows his stuff at footy. 10 Days is all I took to read him.
I was curious to know where it was going QPR at the end but it seemed he'd caught up. So the next book for 'Arry will be bits and pieces of the past eh! Good insight into football and one of todays Managerial gems. He knows his stuff at footy. 10 Days is all I took to read him.
August 29, 2019
Fantastic book about a great man and manager!
January 1, 2020
Very readable if nothing else!
April 8, 2020
Good honest autobiography. Enjoyed it much more than thought I would
August 27, 2020
Read half the book, left a while, decided not to finish,. It was good but there are many much better eating for me
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews