Harry Redknapp is one of the most recognisable figures in English football. Over a career spanning more than three decades as a manager and a solid playing spell before that, he has become synonymous with top‑flight drama, transfer‑market savvy, and a unmistakable East‑End personality. Born in London just after the Second World War, Redknapp climbed from the youth ranks at West Ham to the dugouts of some of the Premier League’s biggest clubs.
His journey took him from Bournemouth to Tottenham Hotspur, via Portsmouth, Southampton, and Queens Park Rangers. Along the way, he won the FA Cup, led smaller sides into the Premier League, and earned a reputation as a “wheeler‑dealer” in the transfer market. Away from the pitch, his family ties to football—especially through his son Jamie Redknapp—have kept him in the public eye.
Which teams did Harry Redknapp manage?
- Harry Redknapp is one of the most experienced English football managers, with a career spanning over 30 years.
- Despite his popularity, he has not been knighted; he was appointed OBE in 2019.
- His net worth is estimated at around £10‑15 million, accumulated from football salaries and media work.
- He led Portsmouth to promotion to the Premier League in 2003, ending a long absence from the top flight.
- Managed Tottenham during a period when the club was fighting near the bottom of the table before improving results.
- Reported career totals include around 1,400 games in management, placing him among the most experienced managers in Premier League history.
- Redknapp’s family is strongly tied to football; he is also identified as Jamie Redknapp’s father.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full name | Henry James Redknapp |
| Born | 2 March 1947, Poplar, London, England |
| Playing position | Midfielder |
| Managerial career | 1983–2017 |
| Major honours | FA Cup winner (2008 with Portsmouth) |
| Net worth | ~£15 million (estimated, not officially confirmed) |
| Spouse | Sandra Redknapp (m. 1968) |
| Children | Jamie Redknapp (son), Mark Redknapp (son) |
| Appearances for West Ham | 175 appearances, 8 goals |
| First managerial role | Bournemouth (1983) |
Redknapp’s playing career began in the Tottenham Hotspur youth system before he moved to West Ham United as a teenager. At West Ham he made 175 appearances and scored 8 goals, according to the club’s official history. He also played for Bournemouth, Brentford, Seattle Sounders, and had a spell in the United States with the NASL.
His first managerial job came in 1983 at Bournemouth. After a successful spell there, he returned to West Ham as assistant to Billy Bonds in 1992 and became manager in 1994. In 2001‑2002 he joined Portsmouth as director of football before taking over as manager, leading them to Premier League promotion in 2003. A brief, controversial stint at Southampton in 2004‑2005 was followed by a return to Portsmouth. In 2008 he was appointed manager of Tottenham Hotspur, a period that saw the club climb the table and qualify for the Champions League in 2010. Later he managed Queens Park Rangers and Birmingham City before retiring in 2017.
Redknapp managed seven different clubs over 34 years, accumulating roughly 1,400 games on the touchline. His FA Cup win with Portsmouth in 2008 is widely regarded as his finest achievement.
Who is Harry Redknapp’s family?
Harry Redknapp was born in Poplar, London, the only child of Henry Joseph William Redknapp and Violet May Brown. He grew up in east London and joined West Ham United as a schoolboy at the age of 15.
Who is Harry Redknapp’s wife?
Redknapp has been married to Sandra Redknapp since 1968. The couple have two children together: Jamie and Mark. Sandra has been a constant presence throughout his football career and is often mentioned in interviews as a grounding influence.
Who is Harry Redknapp’s son, Jamie Redknapp?
Jamie Redknapp is a former professional footballer who played for Liverpool, Tottenham, and England, among others. He played under his father at Bournemouth and Southampton. Jamie is now a well‑known television pundit. For more on his career, see the Rio Ferdinand – Biography, Net Worth, Career & Personal Life article, which profiles another former West Ham player who came through the ranks under Harry Redknapp.
Who is Harry Redknapp’s dad?
Redknapp’s father, Henry Joseph William Redknapp, worked as a docker and later as a scaffolder. He was not involved in professional football, though his son and grandson both made careers in the sport. Harry has spoken of his father’s tough‑working background and its influence on his own outlook.
Harry Redknapp’s son Jamie played under him at two clubs. The Redknapp football dynasty also includes Harry’s nephew, Frank Lampard, and his nephew’s son, Frank Lampard Jr., the former Chelsea and England midfielder.
Beyond his immediate family, Redknapp’s ties to the game run deep. His son’s career, his nephew Frank Lampard, and his own long managerial tenure make the Redknapp name one of the most recognised in English football.
Is Harry Redknapp a knight (sir)?
A common question around Harry Redknapp is whether he holds the title “Sir”. According to the available records, he has not been knighted. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2019 New Year Honours list for services to football and charity. The OBE does not confer the title “Sir”.
Many people assume Harry Redknapp has a knighthood because of his high profile and popularity, but the official honours record shows he received an OBE, not a knighthood. He should not be referred to as “Sir Harry”.
What is the timeline of Harry Redknapp’s career?
- 1947: Born in Poplar, London
- 1965–1972: Playing career at West Ham, Bournemouth, and other clubs
- 1983: First managerial role at Bournemouth
- 1994–2001: Manager of West Ham United
- 2002–2004: Manager of Portsmouth (first stint)
- 2004–2005: Manager of Southampton
- 2005–2008: Manager of Portsmouth (second stint)
- 2008–2012: Manager of Tottenham Hotspur
- 2012–2015: Manager of Queens Park Rangers
- 2016–2017: Manager of Birmingham City
- 2017: Announced retirement from football management
- 2019: Awarded OBE
Is Harry Redknapp a sir? Clarifying common misconceptions
| Claim | Certainty |
|---|---|
| Harry Redknapp is a Sir (knighted) | False. He was appointed OBE in 2019, not a knighthood. He is not entitled to the title “Sir”. |
| Harry Redknapp’s net worth is £50 million | Likely inflated. Most estimates range from £10‑15 million, though exact figures remain private. |
The confusion around a knighthood may stem from Redknapp’s high media profile and the fact that he has been tipped for honours multiple times. Official government records confirm the OBE award.
What is Harry Redknapp’s impact on English football?
Redknapp’s managerial career is marked by a reputation for astute transfer dealings, often described as a “wheeler‑dealer” approach. He built competitive teams on limited budgets at Portsmouth and Tottenham, leading the latter to Champions League qualification in 2010. His FA Cup triumph with Portsmouth in 2008 remains one of the club’s greatest achievements.
After retiring from management in 2017, Redknapp transitioned into media work as a pundit and gained a large following on Instagram. He also participated in reality television, including “I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!”. His post‑football career has kept him in the public eye and introduced him to a new generation of fans.
Where can I find reliable information about Harry Redknapp?
“I’ve always said that I’m a lucky man. I’ve had a great life in football.”
Harry Redknapp, interview with The Guardian
The most comprehensive and authoritative sources include the Wikipedia biography of Harry Redknapp, the official personal website, and the West Ham United club history page. His current activities can be followed on his official Instagram account. The UK government’s honours list confirms his OBE award.
Other useful references include Reuters factbox and Fox Sports fact box, which provide concise biographical summaries.
What is the key takeaway about Harry Redknapp?
Harry Redknapp is a defining figure of modern English football management. From his playing days at West Ham to his managerial highs with Portsmouth and Tottenham, he built a career on instinct, experience, and an unshakeable connection to the game. His family legacy—especially through his son Jamie and nephew Frank Lampard—further cements his place in football history. For a deeper look at another legendary manager from the same era, read the Kenny Dalglish – Complete Biography, Career Trophies and Personal Life article.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Harry Redknapp?
Harry Redknapp was born on 2 March 1947, making him 77 years old as of 2025.
What is Harry Redknapp’s full name?
Henry James Redknapp.
Did Harry Redknapp play for England?
No, he did not play for the England national team; he played for West Ham and Bournemouth.
How many children does Harry Redknapp have?
He has two sons: Jamie Redknapp and Mark Redknapp.
Is Harry Redknapp still managing?
No, his last managerial role was at Birmingham City in 2017; he has since retired from management.
Did Harry Redknapp win the FA Cup?
Yes, he led Portsmouth to win the FA Cup in 2008.
What teams did Harry Redknapp play for?
He played for West Ham United, Bournemouth, Brentford, Seattle Sounders, and in the NASL.
Is Harry Redknapp related to Frank Lampard?
Yes, Frank Lampard is Harry Redknapp’s nephew (his sister’s son).
Where does Harry Redknapp live?
He lives in England, mostly in the South, but exact addresses are private.
Does Harry Redknapp have a Wikipedia page?
Yes, his biography is available on Wikipedia.
Victoria Winslow is Editor-in-Chief at ShowbizUK.co.uk, overseeing editorial policy, corrections, editorial standards, publication decisions, source review and content quality across the publication.