West Ham United manager Harry Redknapp is set to sign an improved contract at Upton Park that will keep him with the Hammers until June 2005 when, he says, he will retire from management. Redknapp took over from Billy Bonds in 1994 and has lifted West Ham from the lower reaches of the Premiership into a side with realistic European ambitions, having reached the second round of the UEFA Cup last season.
Speaking about the negotiations to extend his deal, Redknapp said:
It is all virtually done. By the time the new contract is up I will be 58, and that should be enough.
I've always said I wouldn't want to go anywhere else. This club is close to my heart and I want to see my time out here.
His sentiments are similar to those of Sir Alex Ferguson who is also set to retire, at the end of the 2001/2002 season. Just as Manchester United face the problem of trying to replace the most successful manager in their history, West Ham may have some difficulty in finding someone to fill Harry's shoes, although they have plenty of time.
In the meantime, Harry is concentrating on strengthening his squad as The Hammers look to advance in the FA Cup and push again for a strong finish to their Premiership campaign. Loan signings Sebastien Schemmel and Hannu Tihinen have both impressed the former Bournemouth manager but he may face competition to secure their services permanently.
Schemmel has stated his desire to stay at Upton Park however, having played in France for Nancy and Metz.
It is my dream to play in a team like this, he said. I want to stay here as long as I possibly can.
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