TheCable

Harry Redknapp has resigned as manager of struggling Barclays Premier League side Queens Park Rangers on Tuesday citing knee problems as his reason for stepping down.

The 67-year-old said impending surgery meant he could no longer give the job 100 per cent.

“I was awake all night, thinking about it,” he said.

“I’m struggling so badly now. I can’t walk; I can barely stand and watch. I’m in pain all the time. I’ve been putting it off, and putting it off, but it has got to the stage where I cannot do the job.

“I booked a ticket for Fulham’s FA Cup game with Sunderland on Tuesday night, but my first thought was, ‘how am I going to get to the ground?’ Even if I get a car park pass there is going to be some walking. I can’t walk around Craven Cottage anymore; I can’t walk down the street – that’s how bad it has got.

“I went to see my grandson play football at the weekend and after five minutes had to go back to the car. I couldn’t even stand up. What sort of life is it if you can’t watch the kids play? That sort of made my mind up. I went to bed thinking I would sleep on it, but then I couldn’t sleep a wink. That’s when I decided to call Tony. It must have been 5.30am. I just told him he needed someone who could properly coach and manage the team in the next ten weeks. It’s such an important time. They need someone who can give it everything.”

Redknapp, who has managed West Ham United, Portsmouth, Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur, took over at QPR in November 2012.

After relegation, Redknapp took the club back up in his first full season in charge but they have struggled this season, losing all 11 away league matches – a Premier League record.

QPR are in 19th position with 19 points from 23 games.

Former striker Les Ferdinand and Chris Ramsey will take temporary charge.