Harry Redknapp: I would choose to boss this Spurs side over Man Utd EVERY time – and I’d make young starlet my captain
WHEREVER that old saying about the darkest nights making the brightest stars comes from, it certainly isn’t Tottenham.
But if you had to pin it to a Premier League club, it’d be Ange Postecoglou’s side every day of the week.
Ange would probably be glad of it, to be honest, as there’s been little else to light up the place this season.
Last summer, the thought that today’s game against Manchester United would be a meeting of two mid-table teams was unbelievable. But that’s exactly what it is.
I do think Ruben Amorim is the right man to turn United around but there is so much work that it will take years.
If I had the choice of who I’d like to manage, it is Spurs every time as Postecoglou has so many stars in his squad.
But it doesn’t count for much when they’re in the treatment room rather than the dressing room — and loads are.
At times Postecoglou has been without a whole team of injured players, which is where that stuff about dark nights and bright stars comes in.
And with so many key men missing, Ange has had to rely on some of his kids at a time he needs players AND leaders.
But in Archie Gray he has a young man who ticks both boxes despite only making his full Premier League debut in December. And if everyone was available he may still be waiting.
Gray’s dad Andy had a long playing career, his grandad Frank is a Leeds legend, and his uncle Eddie an all-time great.
So although he’s only 18, Archie has had more experience of football life than many senior players before he joined Spurs from Leeds last year.
And while all the lads who’ve been thrown in have done well, Gray has been an absolute diamond — and I have to say it doesn’t surprise me.
Everything I’ve seen about him has been positive from day one, wherever he’s played, which is three different defensive positions and midfield already.
The way the teenager strolls around at the back reminds me of Franz Beckenbauer or Alan Hansen, which is some comparison.
I’m not saying he will ever be that good, of course, as not many got within a mile of those two legends.
Last summer, the thought that today’s game against Manchester United would be a meeting of two mid-table teams was unbelievable. But that’s exactly what it is.
But there is a real style and elegance in everything he does.
There was a moment at Aston Villa last week when Marcus Rashford tried to run at him one-on-one, but Archie got his body across, won the ball and shut down the danger. It was class.
From what I hear, he is a good talker too, despite being so young. He’s confident, says the right things, and is not afraid to put his message across in the dressing room.
So you can forget his age as he is already a natural leader — and Ange certainly needs one with his team in this position.
Closer to the bottom three than the top six in the Prem — like United — out of both domestic cups and just the Europa League left with just over three months of the campaign to go.
Spurs may have a team with no inspiring voice on the pitch but at least Amorim has a couple in Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes.
Even with a fully fit squad, Ange has no obvious choice for the armband. As much as I love Son, who has it now, he’s never struck me as a captain.
In my book Ange should be brave and give Archie the armband now as he won’t be handing it back for a decade if he does.
There’s more to it than just calling heads or tails, believe me. As a manager, the skipper is someone you can rely on.
You will pick his brains, he will be the link with the rest of the team and almost your right arm in many ways. So it is a vital role.
I have said for ages that Gray is a captain of the future — and maybe even an England one — but up to the job at Tottenham already.
In my book Ange should be brave and give Archie the armband now as he won’t be handing it back for a decade if he does.