Harry Redknapp – Biography, Net Worth, Teams Managed & More

Harry Redknapp is one of English football’s most recognisable figures, a man whose career in the game spanned more than three decades as a player and manager before he reinvented himself as a popular television personality. From guiding unfancied Portsmouth to FA Cup glory to leading Tottenham Hotspur into the Champions League, his story is one of resilience, charm, and an unerring ability to connect with people. This article provides a fact‑based look at his life, his managerial record, his honours, his family, and what he is doing now.

Harry Redknapp was born on 2 March 1947 in Poplar, East London, and grew up in a footballing family. After a modest playing career as a midfielder, he moved into management in 1983 and quickly built a reputation as a shrewd operator in the transfer market and a master of man‑management. His later years saw him win over a new generation of fans by winning ITV’s I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in 2018, a victory that cemented his status as a national treasure.

Who Is Harry Redknapp? Personal Life and Family

• Harry Redknapp managed for over 30 years, most notably winning the FA Cup with Portsmouth in 2008.
• He is not a knight but received an OBE in 2011 for services to football.
• His son Jamie Redknapp is a former England international and popular TV pundit.
• Redknapp gained mainstream non‑football fame by winning I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! in 2018.
• He was charged with tax evasion in 2010 but was later acquitted, a major controversy in his career.

Which Football Teams Has Harry Redknapp Managed?

Harry Redknapp’s managerial career began in 1983 after he retired as a player. Over more than 30 years, he took charge of seven different clubs, often arriving at struggling sides and lifting them up the table. His connection to West Ham runs deep: he played for the club and later managed them from 1994 to 2001, keeping them in the Premier League and developing young talent.

Portsmouth: The Peak of His Achievements

Redknapp’s two spells at Portsmouth produced his most celebrated successes. He led the club to the 2002–03 Division One title and, after a brief stint at Southampton, returned to guide Portsmouth to an FA Cup victory in 2008 – a triumph widely regarded as one of the greatest upsets in modern cup history. He also won the Premier League Manager of the Year award in 2010 after taking Tottenham to fourth place and Champions League qualification.

Tottenham Hotspur

Appointed in October 2008, Redknapp transformed Tottenham from a relegation‑threatened side into a Champions League regular. Fourth place in 2009–10 remains his standout season in north London, although he left the club in 2012 after a dip in form.

Other Clubs on His CV

• AFC Bournemouth – his first managerial role (1983–1992), where he established himself.
• Southampton – a short, controversial spell in 2004–2005.
• Queens Park Rangers – took over in 2012 but could not prevent relegation.
• Birmingham City – his final job, lasting from 2016 to 2017.

Is Harry Redknapp a Sir? Honours and Awards

A common misconception is that Harry Redknapp has been knighted. He has not. The highest honour he holds is an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire), awarded in 2011 for services to football. The distinction was announced in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list and confirmed in the UK Government Gazette.

What Is an OBE?

An OBE is a rank within the British honours system, below a knighthood. It does not entitle the holder to the title “Sir”. Redknapp has never been nominated for a knighthood, and no official indication suggests one is forthcoming.

Other Notable Honours

• FA Cup winner (2008 with Portsmouth)
• Division One title (2002–03 with Portsmouth)
• Premier League Manager of the Year (2009–10)
• Winner of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! (2018) – though not a formal honour, it underscores his cultural impact.

What Is Harry Redknapp’s Net Worth?

No verified net worth figure is publicly available. Estimates from various sources place his wealth between £20 million and £40 million, with a common ballpark of around £25–30 million as of 2025. These figures are not audited and should be treated as informed speculation.

What Is Harry Redknapp Doing Now?

Since retiring from management, Redknapp has built a busy media career. He works as a pundit and analyst for BT Sport and Talksport, appears regularly on television, and hosts his own podcast called Harry’s Game. In 2020 he presented Harry’s Heroes, a reality‑style show that saw him attempt to get a group of former footballers back into shape.

What Are the Key Milestones in Harry Redknapp’s Career?

1. 1947 – Born in Poplar, London.
2. 1965 – Professional debut for West Ham United.
3. 1983 – Begins managerial career at Bournemouth.
4. 1994 – Appointed manager of West Ham United.
5. 2002 – Takes over Portsmouth; wins Division One title the following season.
6. 2008 – Wins FA Cup with Portsmouth.
7. 2008 – Becomes Tottenham manager; leads them to Champions League qualification in 2009–10.
8. 2012 – Leaves Tottenham and takes over Queens Park Rangers.
9. 2017 – Retires from management after Birmingham City.
10. 2018 – Wins I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!

What Is Known and What Is Uncertain About Harry Redknapp?

What Was Harry Redknapp’s Managerial Style and Approach?

Redknapp’s managerial approach was built on outstanding man‑management and tactical flexibility. He thrived at clubs where he could buy shrewdly from the lower leagues and build a tight‑knit squad. At Portsmouth, in particular, he assembled a cup‑winning team on a limited budget, showing a knack for getting the best out of players others had written off.

His tenure at Tottenham was marked by high‑profile wins – including the famous 9‑1 victory over Wigan – but also inconsistency. He left after failing to secure a Champions League spot in his final season. The 2010 tax evasion case (an HMRC investigation) was a major distraction; he was cleared, but the case tarnished his later months at Spurs.

Post‑management, he rebuilt his public image as a charming television personality, winning over millions of viewers on I’m a Celebrity and through his relatable, down‑to‑earth persona.

What Do Others Say About Harry Redknapp?

“I’ve always said that I’m not a tactical manager – I’m a man‑manager.”

– The Guardian interview, 2009

“It was a dream to manage Tottenham. I loved every minute of it.”

– Harry Redknapp autobiography, ‘Always Managing’ (2013)

“He’s got great football knowledge and a fantastic way with people.”

– Jamie Redknapp on his father, Sky Sports, 2018

What’s Next for Harry Redknapp?

Harry Redknapp shows no signs of slowing down. He continues to appear as a television pundit for BT Sport and Talksport, hosts his podcast Harry’s Game, and has announced a UK tour sharing stories from his career. A return to full‑time management looks unlikely, but he may take on ambassadorial roles or appear in charity football matches. For fans of English football, his voice – and his one‑liners – remain a familiar part of the game’s landscape.

Learn more about another football figure: Andy Farrell – Biography, Family, and Coaching Career

Frequently Asked Questions About Harry Redknapp

For more profiles of sports personalities, you can also read: Andy Farrell – Biography, Family, and Coaching Career