Newly appointed EPL club Queens Park Rangers Manager Harry Redknapp said that "he is optimistic" he can keep the club in the league when he detailed "plans for a great escape" Monday, according to Mark Cue of the LONDON TIMES. Redknapp has "accepted that he faces his toughest challenge as a manager," but said there will be no “wholesale spending” when the transfer window reopens in January after a busy summer of arrivals under former Manager Mark Hughes. QPR Owner Tony Fernandes "will be hoping that Redknapp can revive the West London club’s fortunes" as he did four years ago when he took over at Tottenham Hotspur. Redknapp also "plotted a similar rescue job" at Champions League Portsmouth in '05. Redknapp: "We mustn’t kid ourselves. This is much tougher that those two jobs in my opinion, but I’m optimistic we can pull it off." Redknapp confirmed that a deal was being done to bring in his long-time assistants, Joe Jordan and Kevin Bond. Redknapp has been linked with bringing David Beckham to Loftus Road, but said that "nothing had been done," as of yet. Redknapp: "To have him at any football club would be a great influence on the club, but we’ve not discussed anything" (LONDON TIMES, 11/26). The PA reported that Redknapp "warned his QPR players that laziness would not be tolerated." Redknapp: "If they don't [put in the effort], they're not going to play to start with and I'll find another 11 who will run about and work hard. I've got no time for people losing ball and throwing their arms up in air, and standing around with their hands on their hips" (PA, 11/26).
MORE BECKHAM TALK: In Sydney, Ray Gatt reported A-League clubs "could face a battle" to sign Beckham following indications that Redknapp will make a bid to lure him to QPR. Beckham, who will become a free agent when his contract expires on Dec. 31, is on record saying he wants "one last challenge" before retiring from the game (THE AUSTRALIAN, 11/27).
