Harry Redknapp: "Coaches that haven't played the game are ruining football! They are all academics!

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Welcome to Project Footballer, the voice of youth football supported by Spotify, where we delve deep into the world of youth football with our special guests.
Welcome to an extraordinary episode featuring a captivating panel discussion with football legends Harry Redknapp, Jamie Redknapp, and Paul Merson. Delve into the world of football, parenting, and the unique dynamics that shape young athletes.
In this thought-provoking episode, we explore the intricacies of 1-to-1 training and its impact on a budding footballer's development. Can a child be inherently born as a footballer, or is it the result of dedicated training and mentorship? Join us as we unravel the mysteries behind nurturing sporting talent from a young age.
The conversation takes an insightful turn as we delve into the realm of parenting styles. Discover the delicate balance between being assertive and fostering a relaxed environment for your child's growth in the world of football. Should parents adopt a more hands-on, pushy approach, or is a laid-back attitude more conducive to success? Our panelists, each with their unique experiences, share their perspectives on what works best in shaping a football prodigy.
A highlight of the discussion is the fascinating comparison of parenting styles between the esteemed Harry Redknapp and the insightful Paul Merson. Gain valuable insights into the diverse approaches these football icons have taken in guiding their own children through the challenges of pursuing a career in the beautiful game.
Whether you're a football enthusiast, a parent navigating the world of youth sports, or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes of football development, this episode promises a rich tapestry of experiences and wisdom. Join us as we journey through the minds of these football legends, unlocking the secrets to nurturing the next generation of sporting talent. Don't miss out on this riveting exploration of football, parenting, and the unique stories that shape the beautiful game.

[@gtwadmin7801]

Redknapp says he didn’t push Jamie into football but ever since he was young that’s all he’s known so it’s more likely he would have developed a love for it. We are a footballing family, a match is always on our tv, we speak about football in the house and naturally my son and daughter are obsessed with football. It’s the atmosphere you create, you can do it with anything.

[@mod3064]

Talking about decision making, how quick was Jamie to swerve “getting my end away” to “getting a kiss”…. Legend.

[@lazojorge665]

" Sorry Dad" hahahha Quality!!!

[@bigboy4333]

People don't actually give Jamie the credit he deserves, had it not been for injuries we'd be talking about him a lot more. What a player!

[@hmq9052]

People tend to go over the top when someone isn't playing anymore.

[@ash6415]

He was bang average without the injuries. A bit of a poor man’s Beckham.

[@user-ee8ux5hg8e]

Nope. Not that strong quick or goal scorer

[@D1Snr]

He was very average. Look at his PL stats. Very few goals and assists for the amount of games he did play considering he wasn't a defensive player. Don't get me wrong, he did have some good technical attributes, but he was too slow to be a real threat.

[@D1Snr]

​@@user-ee8ux5hg8eI completely agree. I typed my comment before reading yours.

[@topsecret6995]

Some interesting points here - one that Paul Merson made about playing with better players - how many are being discounted because those around them can't read the pass or run they're trying to make. Also how many children of ex-footballers are taking up spaces in academies when they possibly shouldn't?

[@bigbernie7260]

Exactly it certainly helps if you have got contacts.

[@topsecret6995]

@@bigbernie7260 I hear of it all the time - should be a topic % of players who get their kids into academies and don't make it probably more than the 1% thing

[@leestephenfitzpatrick6373]

Lampard got the chance that most of us don't, My club manager had never played football himself. My school never knew I played until I'd quit football & moved onto athletics. Never once did we do anything other than squad in two, jumpers as goal posts. I was sub for 3 years at my club side, I'd get 10 minutes a week max, I hit 14, bang, second best player in the squad, 25 goals from right wing a season. Kids develop at different ages, all these kids going to academy's at the age of 7, up against the rest of us getting trained by someone's dad, who's never played the game. Not all about talent.

[@mod3064]

What a podcast ! as an ex GR coach everything hits home. Just finished first time round, so revisiting again now without breaks this time 👍🏻⚽️

[@jimmysheargold7589]

I believe that you best football comes out when you play with a smile on your face win or lose That’s what I tell my son anyway

[@briankeely7249]

Parents have a vital role to play with providing the opportunity and direction. Talent and hard work plus opportunity is the key.

[@neildean7515]

Great Listen, Parents are learning too and this is a fantastic example of that education. As a Coach Parent, I think it is about family values and behaviour that we take to football to create a Culture. Example values: 1. Be supportive & gracious-Friendships 2. Encourage to be your best 3. Have a positive attitude 4. Commit to the team 5. Be honest & calm 6. Accept mistakes & Learn from them 7. Be competitive, but not at all cost!!! 8. Work hard= to get results Its all about the journey (ups and downs) & the friendships & life lessons we learn

[@jamesburke2094]

Glad Harry s remarks support what I ve written for years concerning negative influences in football

[@arsenalogist4285]

I'd be interested in reading your writings

[@Livenmaintain65]

41:26 he’s definitely right!! I’m currently a young guy working at a PL academy. I stopped playing a few years ago but I had to go back to playing again when I started coaching because it just felt like it there was so much information and experience I still needed to gain myself in order to help the younger boys I work with whether that’s through demonstrations or explanations

[@crazyaboutfooty]

This is amazing and helped loads, thankyou 🙌

[@nosubtv4242]

Clear to see there isnt one way to success. It involves, good coaching, working hard, lifestyle, wanting it enough, luck, understanding the game and extra work with a parent. Letting kids be kids and enjoying their football at the same time. Its hard to get the right balance.

[@iansharp9918]

What an episode. This ep will go viral.

[@RastaSaint7]

I am not sure if people realize the WISDOM that is being dropped here!!! These guys are giving you the secret sauce of football. How to build a footballer!

[@HandsomeFlackoJodye]

Phenomenal podcast!

[@andyhellier]

Interesting take from Jamie on 4G pitches. My son has recently diagnosed with Severs and it is a hugely frustrating injury for him. There is no magic formula to get rid of it, but holds him back from being as active as he would like. Really engaging discussion.

[@Daffy0208]

Andy, there was a magic remedy for severs for my son and many others in his football team. I think it's a Swedish company call MyHeelCups .... they worked instantly. I'm in no way affiliated to them just through our experience. 👍🏻

[@dushyvithiya]

Great conversation and something a lot of father coaches need to watch

[@kanehardy6088]

Brilliant podcast love the conversations ❤

[@neildean7515]

Great show, thanks..What parents need to be very careful about is “ Coaches Biases”.what is their type of training or practice?, more physical, Technical or tactical (technical is much harder to teach for young coaches). Regarding one2one help, be clear about what you want from private sessions..if as a parent you do not know, ask a players coach what you think he needs to improve..(Physically, Technically tactically or socially) otherwise its just best to play in the park. Get the diet right…

[@geralddesmarais6504]

The only thing I'd like to add is, in todays world there is too much stress growing up and kids are having the freedoms previous generations had. its not such a bad thing to motivate your sons and daughters because kids need that time away from school work, staring at devices and social media.

[@iainmair485]

Nature and nurture. Both play a defining role.

[@patrickmcgivan]

Well done to the young boys who are very self motivated. Hard work gets rewarded eventually! This applies in all walks of life. I remember how Sir Trevor Brooking also used to get abuse from the crowd!😮 Talent alone is not enough!😅

[@Pel80]

Fantastic interview both Jamie and Paul seem like really realistic parents, gives me reassurance that I’m doing things right with my boys 👏🏻

[@zlatysmola]

Yes you have to work hard entering teenage years but initially you have to love and enjoy it, kids burning out too quick these days !

[@jacobfield4848]

Just as many good players today as in the past, the game is much faster and it is harder to find space. These are just "old men shouting at clouds."

[@remyd1984]

🙄 like they don’t know the games changed ffs

[@kingsleyfitness7795]

So many good points.. I agree that Managers are changing the game.

[@RastaSaint7]

49:10 You are all welcome for making your children superstars.

[@tiraths27]

Could listen to these guys talk about football for hours!

[@WeAreWombwellMain]

Some very interesting comments made!

[@OgoEzeagu]

40:00 they have this Kind of challenge / competion in Spain at Young age oh yes

[@Sim0n98]

You can't say this when English football is experiencing a golden crop of young talent right now

[@tomang71]

I miss old/real football…I watch my team that will never change but other than that…nah not for me. Lucky to have watched 80/90/00s. Very sad!!!

[@bigaluk1980]

Marc is right nobody is doing 2 hours a day straight for 14 years

[@mrpickles7313]

Not sure I agree, back in the '80s and '90s in youth development scouts would look at size and athleticism first and technical ability second, you would commonly hear "his good but too small". The difference today is clubs are more educated and dialled in with sports science and nutrition, which has improved the athleticism of players has made the game quicker, which also means players have to be technically better to deal with the increased speed, it's also true that there is a lot less time on the ball and space in the midfield due to increased high pressing in teams created less distance between the units.

[@lukebignell7846]

01:15:00 We saw this at Blackburn with JDT. He tried to copy the Man City build out from the back style. After 11 games with only 1 win, he finally get sacked. Almost every goal we have been conceding was self inflicted by trying to play out all the time, even though we don’t have the quality of player to do so. For JDT it seemed his desire to make a name for himself and get the Sweden job, was more important than Blackburn winning. First game with new manager and we 3-1

[@nosubtv4242]

Clubs are doing different things - Watford do more system based exercises and scenarios. Arsenals - encourage dribbling and 1vs1s. Spurs - dont really have a format they stick to. Actually disappointed in what they had going on and im a Spurs fan. There are now lots of independent academies teaching kids football which are very good. Furthermore, scouts are picking up kids that dribble as they think they can teach the rest. One scout told me, we may see a good defender but we may not give him a trial.

[@neildean7515]

Its true, teaching the foundation (6-12 years) skills is an art and a specialism-its rare to see it done well. Futsal and older Coaches who have played here in Barcelona are exceptional. Without foundation technical skills, players will not progress and having taught all ages 5-12 years for 30 years, i think it is interesting that all great players develop a “Super Skill “which makes them stand out with good foundation skills.. Ie goalscorer, dribbler, passer, etc etc

[@garybuller5656]

You either know what you're doing ,or you don't. Good footballers know, without looking, where the ball should go.You know the 'weight of the pass'.Consistency..pumping out performances.Be able to do the 'bang ,bang, bang'...footballers will know what I'm talking about..

[@jamesburke2094]

I'm 1 of about 10 people watching who know Chris Tavare

[@jack8988]

Hundred of footballers who's dad's have played at the top level have turned pro

[@KingKong-ee8hc]

Merson and Redknapp would walk today’s game no problem

[@matthewdoyle3877]

Not sure about sick note Redknapp

[@D1Snr]

Redknapp wouldn't be able to. The pace and athleticism of the modern game would be too much for him. He was too slow back in the 90's so he would have no chance now. Merson could definitely do a job. He was a good creative player and always good for a goal. Those type of players would be good in most eras.

[@jazzawelsh]

George Best, Stan Bowles rarely trained

[@user-uf6sk4uw9c]

Ups to merse

[@Blucifah]

Frank lampard was very lucky n defo wouldn't of got the chance at other clubs,there were alot of better players at his age at other clubs

[@OgoEzeagu]

First give a like

[@m.p.7075]

Jamie's mannerisms are getting more like his old man every time I see him 😂.

[@LDraff-tq4qr]

100% we need proper coaches like ex players, not fuking youtubers

[@DublinDapper]

Hope they dont mind me saying their names on ere...lol

[@bigbernie7260]

Jack Whitehall cant of been a worse footballer than a so called comedian.

[@kingarthurusatenniscoach1415]

kane aint world class,,, missed wc 2018 chances and a pen. 22,,,, never delivers

[@matthewdoyle3877]

Jamie Redknapp liked being injured and paid for nothing

[@topsecret6995]

That's unnecessarily negative - he explained his position on injuries clearly - you can tell he loves the game and probably hated not being able to play

[@kingarthurusatenniscoach1415]

work smart not hard running around like a headless chicken

[@bigbernie7260]

Arry the cockney spiv Redknapp the Arfur Daley of football would put his kids on the game if he thought there was a quick buck in it.