Harry Redknapp is famed for his press conference rants.
His meltdown in front of the cameras in March 2013 has had more than half a million views on YouTube when he branded a Mirror story about QPR going to a training camp in Dubai and turning it into a stag do as an “absolute load of nonsense.”
However, now finally a different version of what really went on has appeared in former QPR defender Nedum Onuoha’s autobiography Kicking Back.
Onuoha recalls the fall-out from a big night out and said: “At training the next day a few players were still drunk. Not hungover; drunk.
“One in particular had a horrendous time, probably the worst training session I’ve seen anybody have. And Harry knew why. Even though they knew it was a bugbear of his, some of his players had been drinking.”
Bizarrely, Redknapp tried to blame Onuoha and blanked him for three months - even though the ex-Manchester City defender does not even drink!
The book is a terrific read and, even though he is not the biggest name, his take down of Joey Barton over the course of a chapter is illuminating and highly entertaining.
Lukaku's agent issue threatens Chelsea exit
Romelu Lukaku may have to wait for his move away from Chelsea.
Belgian lawyer Sebastien Ledure is the man charged with trying to broker a complex and expensive move back to Inter Milan this summer.
However, Lukaku’s representation contract with Italian agent Federico Pastorello does not expire until June 30 and any deal done or even negotiated during that time may leave him facing a costly settlement.
Lukaku has been through agents like nobody’s business from Mino Raiola, to Roc Nation and now with a lawyer with agents looking like they are left to pay the price for his moves not working out rather than the player himself.
It is still unlikely Chelsea will do business unless they can secure a deal which does not represent a huge loss on the record £97.5m they paid last year.
Barca balancing the book
Barcelona are facing another summer of having to balance the books before making new signings.
They want to bring in and announce Chelsea’s Andreas Christensen while Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski also wants a fresh challenge with the Nou Camp his most likely destination.
But rather like last summer, they must get players out before they can bring players in.
Deals are being held up while Barca shuffle their pack again.
Cairney backs social media action
Fulham captain Tom Cairney is one of four players backing a new social media platform designed to stop online abuse.
Research by the Professional Footballers’ Association found 44 per cent of players received abuse in 2020 and 36 per cent said social media was the biggest factor when it came to mental health issues.
The new platform - OPON - requires users to provide proof of identity and is also being backed by Dan Bachmann, Josh Windass and Dan Gosling. It has also got PFA and Premier League support.
Cairney said: “We want to make a real change to the social media landscape and make it a safer place for our families, friends and our children.”
England women continue growth
The England women’s Euros squad will also have an NFL style media open day at St George’s Park later this month.
The tournament is proving to be a huge success and the back stories of players within the group should help win support from the nation and create a real buzz across the country.
