Harry Redknapp highly impressed by Wayne Rooney, tips him for Everton
Harry Redknapp has talked up Wayne Rooney’s managerial credentials and says he “deserves the opportunity” to get the Everton job.
The former Everton star was reported by The Telegraph yesterday [20 January] to be on a three-man shortlist and in line to be interviewed for the job at Goodison Park.
Speaking live on talkSPORT on Friday (January 21st, 09.15) ex-West Ham and Tottenham manager Redknapp said: “At Soccer Aid this year I sat and had a coffee with him a couple of times. I was really impressed with Wayne Rooney. Absolutely, so into his job.
“I think he’s got a good future. He’s done a brilliant job at Derby and he deserves the opportunity [to go to Everton].
“I think the fans would love him to go back there. If he went back to Everton it would be a great homecoming for him.”
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The record goalscorer for England and Manchester United has been a surprise management success so far at his time at Derby, having fallen into the role originally as a player-manager following the sacking of Phillip Cocu.
With the Rams in a huge mess financially, the boss has been battling up hill this season compared to other teams, as there was a desperate rush to fill the squad with players when the season kicked off, and a total of 21 points have been deducted by the league.
Despite this Rooney has his side battling in the relegation zone after half of the campaign rather than miles adrift at the bottom, and Premier League veteran Redknapp’s insight suggests the former DC United player has a strong commitment to the job.
Rooney’s return to his boyhood club is thought to be almost inevitable in the minds of many at the moment thanks to his affinity to the Merseysiders, but that dismisses the 36-year-old’s loyalty to his current employers.
The difficulties he is struggling against at Pride Park could contribute to him staying as much as it would push him to take another opportunity, as the embattled nature of the operation may leave him feeling unable to leave his players in the middle of the fight.
Whoever ends up with the in-demand man will be pleased, as he is proving to be impressive in the dug out.
In other Everton news, this move elsewhere in the Premier League could provide a boost to the Toffees.