From the Pitch to the Streets: Redknapp's Near-Career Change

Harry Redknapp, a beloved figure in the Premier League, recently revealed that he almost took a very different path before becoming a football icon. The former player and manager considered becoming a taxi driver after retiring from the sport.

The Road Less Traveled

Redknapp played for several clubs during his career, including West Ham, Bournemouth, and Brentford. He even had a stint in America. But after returning to Bournemouth to close out his playing days in 1982, he found himself unsure of what to do next.

A Taxing Decision

With retirement looming, Redknapp came up with the idea of running a taxi service. He had concerns about his financial future and thought buying a Bournemouth taxi plate would be a viable option.

However, securing the necessary funds proved to be a challenge. Despite trying to borrow money from the bank, Redknapp was unable to gather the £14,000 needed to purchase the taxi plate.

An Unexpected Opportunity

Just as Redknapp was contemplating his next move, fate intervened. He was offered a coaching role by England World Cup-winning captain Bobby Moore at Oxford, which he happily accepted.

From there, Redknapp's managerial career took off. He landed his first coaching job with Bournemouth in 1983, setting the stage for his legendary career in football.

A Premier League Icon

Redknapp's coaching prowess led him to become a household name in the Premier League. He achieved success with clubs like West Ham, Portsmouth, and QPR, and even won the FA Cup with Portsmouth in 2008.

After a stint with Birmingham, Redknapp ultimately retired from coaching in 2017. While he didn't become a taxi driver, it's safe to say that the football world is glad he chose a different path.