I would be lying if I said that I have always been a fan of Harry Redknapp and welcomed his appointment as Tottenham manager.

Maybe I was a little stuck up; thinking a club the size of Tottenham could do a lot better than someone who I have always perceived as a ‘crisis manager’ and no more. Perhaps I didn’t respect his constant courting of the media or the constant speculation about his transfer dealings, but I have reached the point now when I can no longer hold back my admiration for the man and the incredible job that he has done during his 20 months at the helm at White Hart Lane. Say what you want about the man, but let’s judge his performance with the results on the pitch.

I know that there are still a number of supporters who will never show any appreciation towards Redknapp. Harry seems to be held in the same esteem as ‘the man in the raincoat’ was in the late 90s, where there is a feeling that any manager could be doing as well, given the quality of players at his disposal. I always find that quite a weak and futile argument - the fact is Redknapp is the manager and we are on the brink of our best finish in the top flight in 20 years.

While it would be wrong to say that Harry built this side, given that the majority of players were already present, in Kranjcar, Palacios, Crouch and Defoe he has added that little bit of quality in key areas. He has galvanised the rest of the squad that has been so significant in our upturn in fortunes and Assou-Ekotto, arguably one of Redknapp’s great success stories, mentioned that Harry isn’t complicated and just keeps things simple. Whatever he does it is clearly working and in my view this is the best Tottenham team I have seen since 1990.

I was reading this morning that Tottenham are planning contract talks this summer with Redknapp and my message to Levy is not to haggle too hard over this deal. Yes Harry may not represent the image we may have of a Tottenham manager, but the fact is he has done a fantastic job during his time at the club and laid down an incredible foundation for the future.

Recent performances and this season in general has seen my view change of old ‘Arry and his abilities as a manger; I’m sure for many others it has too.

Written By Roy James