Pearce: Redknapp among the best

Stuart Pearce has tipped Harry Redknapp to become the new England manager, and compared the Spurs boss to some of the game’s greats.

Redknapp is favourite to land the England post following the resignation of Fabio Capello earlier this month, while Pearce will take charge of the national team for their friendly against the Netherlands on Wednesday.

Pearce has previously said he would be happy to lead England through to Euro 2012, but knows the favourite for the long-term role is Redknapp, who he believes measure up to some of the best ever managers.

“I wouldn’t call him (Redknapp) unique. Brian Clough had it, Bill Shankly had it, Sir Alex Ferguson’s got it,” Pearce said.

“All the good managers who are successful have that ability to build their players up and give their players confidence. That’s why they’re successful.”

Pearce played under Redknapp at West Ham and has fond memories of his time at Upton Park.

“His man-management skills are outstanding,” he said.

“My first contact with Harry was when I was still at Newcastle as a player and I was looking to move clubs.”

“He rang me a week before the start of the Premier League season – with West Ham due to play Tottenham the next weekend, a massive game in that part of the world – and, having not even signed me, said: ‘You’re playing on Saturday. Get yourself fit. The chairman’s sanctioned the move.'”

“He was always very supportive towards me and I enjoyed my time with him. The feedback you get from all the players is that they enjoy his management style and he makes everyone feel important.”

Pearce has ruled himself out of taking on the England role permanently, but insists he wants to continue his involvement in the national set-up once a new manager is appointed.

“If they came to me now and offered me the job, I would tell them exactly the same as I told them 10 months ago,” he said.

“I’ll support the man who’s going to come in and do the job. But it’s not for me. It’s a job for a man with more experience.”

“I’m gaining a great deal of experience, especially tournament experience, but when you strip it all down I’ve only managed a team on 160-odd occasions.”