Harry Redknapp is weighing up a stunning returning to football – with Airdrie.
And the former Tottenham boss and ‘I’m a Celebrity’ winner could take over at the Diamonds in time for next season.
Record Sport can reveal the 73-year-old has targeted the League One side after being spooked at ongoing uncertainty and financial implications of coronavirus being felt at lower league clubs south of the border.
It’s understood the English football icon is keen to explore a move to North Lanarkshire in a capacity which would still allow boss Ian Murray to continue in his current post as manager.
The Excelsior Stadium has been identified as the ideal vehicle for Redknapp’s latest venture given its locality and provision for corporate facilities which are key in implementing his vision to bring sponsorship and a rebranding of a club which has been languishing in the lower reaches of Scottish football.
A source confirmed talks have been continuing despite the current pandemic lockdown.
He said: “Harry’s made no secret of his desire to get back involved in the game again and Airdrie are now a serious consideration. It’s an ideal club in many ways and he loves Scotland. It suits him both for football reasons and for the chance to play golf which is a huge thing for him.
“He’s having a look around at various options and Airdrie are a serious option for him, he’s spoken to contacts north of the border about the club and they have been positive.”
It’s understood Diamonds co-owner and managing director Paul Hetherington would be prepared to do business with the Englishman with a controlling interest in the club well within Redkapp’s financial reach.
Airdrie are also regarded as a possible feeder club which could provide a tie-in for the likes of Chelsea who are managed by Redknapp’s nephew Frank Lampard.
The former West Ham boss has been out of the game since 2017 when he parted ways with Birmingham City and has been inundated with offers after he said he was interested in owning a football club.
He said: “I would be interested in a smaller club. I can’t buy a big club, it has to be a lower league club and a mate of mine has been talking about a couple of clubs in Scotland.
“I would like to get involved and do something on Saturdays. Go and watch the games and be part of it.
“If something came along and was of real interest I would have a real go of it. Go and have a real interest in a team, turn up and want them to win and be there. I would enjoy that, I really would.
“If it was a smallish club where I could go and do something then I would be interested. To be honest, I’ve been inundated with messages from clubs in Division One, Division Two and the National League.
“I’ve had all sorts of messages from different people. I would have a look at them and if there was something of interest I would maybe have a little go at it.”
