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Harry Redknapp's seven-word comment on 'hard to manage' Soccer Aid celebs

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Harry Redknapp is back managing England for Soccer Aid 2024 (Image: ©UNICEF/Soccer Aid Productions/Stella Pictures)
Harry Redknapp is back managing England for Soccer Aid 2024 (Image: ©UNICEF/Soccer Aid Productions/Stella Pictures)

Harry Redknapp has issued his verdict on this year's famous faces playing at Soccer Aid.

The former football manager will be returning to the sidelines as the England manager alongside his nephew, Chelsea legend Frank Lampard later this year. The pair will be managing the likes of Tom Grennan, Bobby Brazier and, Jill Scott Paddy McGuinness. But while he's used to working with some of the biggest footballers, Harry, 72, admits the celebrities taking part often think they're in the same league.

Former Tottenham Hotspur and Queens Park Rangers manager Harry said he is excited to get back to managing a team but admits he and Frank, 45, have their work cut out.

"Celebrities all think they are good and some of them are not as good as they think they are," he said. The former I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! star went on to add: "When you take them off they are not very happy. They are great, all great and give up their time."

Harry Redknapp's seven-word comment on 'hard to manage' Soccer Aid celebs eiqeeiqtdidqtprwTom Grennan is part of the England team this year (©UNICEF/Soccer Aid Productions/Stella Pictures)
Harry Redknapp's seven-word comment on 'hard to manage' Soccer Aid celebsHarry will be working alongside his nephew, Frank Lampard (©UNICEF/Soccer Aid Productions/Stella Pictures)

While some may expect Harry to be dusting off his old notes and tactics, he admits he's going to wing it on the day when he arrives at Stamford Bridge. He said: "I will turn up on the day look at the players and go through in my head and pick a team. I will talk to Frank about it and we will sort a team out between us.

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"We will decide who plays well, work out our substitutes and who you leave on and take off. It is a lot of fun." But he is excited to be back on the sidelines and admits it'll be great fun working with his nephew. Harry joked: "I get the hump when we get beat and all sorts.

"That is how I am, you don't care what you play you want to win. We have a good time but the last couple of years have been difficult. I am going to be with Frank this year which I am looking forward to. He is back at Chelsea where he was a great player for a couple of years. He is my nephew as well, it will be a fun couple of days for sure."

Since kickstarting in 2006, the event has raised an eye-watering £90 million for Unicef, helping those in need in countries such as Cambodia. Although match day is a great day out for families, Harry was keen to praise the work of Unicef and those who are involved in raising vital funds.

"We raise so much money and the money goes to great use," he commented, before adding: "It is such a special day, people love it, it sells out every year, to be part of it has been amazing, I have loved every minute of it. You meet great people, whether it is the footballers, celebrities or the people that run it. We have a great few days together and raise lots of money for a great cause."

Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2024 takes place on Sunday 9th June at Stamford Bridge, London. Buy your tickets at socceraid.org.uk/tickets

Ben Barry

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