Harry and Clive are Red and All Right

Last updated : 29 September 2005 By Chris C

Stories having been doing the rounds for weeks in the press from tabloid to broadsheet about the supposed strained relationship between Harry and Sir Clive (or just plain Clive as he requested to the press). The argument went that the class of cultures between the former rugby man and the old school manager would cause a rift between the two.

All this in a supposed climate of an interfering Chairman using his man to undermine the manager, plus tales of Clive bringing in Simon Clifford and Jason St Juste behind Harry’s back. Today’s press conference was called to put the rumours to rest.

In truth, there has been little of substance to justify such stories and Woodward himself admitted that he might have done more to prevent the rumours by being more open with the press on his arrival.

“Maybe we should have had a press conference when I first came here? We did discuss it but I just wanted to come in quietly. The first game was only a week away and I wanted to keep a low profile. Maybe it is my fault but I did not want to be seen to be undermining Harry Redknapp in any way.

“Over the years I have got used to dealing with the press and there has been a lot written. I have had fantastic press and awful press but most of it has normally been fairly accurate. But the stuff written in the last few weeks is just wrong!”

This press conference was complemented by a long interview in the Times earlier in the week as Woodward sought to be more open with the press. In reality, the World Cup winner’s move to football was always going to be big news. While the intention of a low key entry is understandable, more openness with the press may have helped dispel some of the rumours of dark forces behind the scenes.

Harry reiterated once again that he has no problems working with Woodward. “We really feel we need to clear the air because there has been an awful lot said and written and all sorts of rumours that we don't get on... and we just want to clear it up once and for all. There is no problem between me and Clive Woodward in any shape or form. We get on ever so well. If I did not feel like that then I would say so. You all know me well enough to know that I would not stand for it if there was a problem.”

Given Harry’s is no stranger to using the media to put across his point of view, the lack of asides about Sir Clive should be telling for most. Quite whether this press conference will quell the rumours or not is another matter. In football all the dreaded votes of confidences from Chairman have taken their toll on the media’s credulity and no doubt the stories will resurface again in another few months.

It was interesting watching the body language of the pair during the press conference. Harry looked fed up and like he didn't want to be there. Understandably he feels he has had to repeat himself so many times and he has more important things to worry about. Woodward was a curious mix of humility alongside the manager and obvious enthusiasm with the business at hand.

Let’s hope that today’s events can allow the club to draw a line under events and move onto more important matters, such as a win at Preston and finding the back of the net.