Redknapp backs Jordan claim

Jordan: Redknapp support

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Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has backed Joe Jordan to become Scotland manager - even though he would be loath to lose him.

Jordan has established a strong reputation as a coach, forming part of Redknapp's backroom team at Portsmouth before becoming his assistant at White Hart Lane.

The former Scotland international, 57, has had managerial experience with Bristol City and Hearts, and has now been strongly linked with the Scotland job following the departure of George Burley.

And although Jordan has been a trusty right-hand man for Redknapp, the Spurs boss reckons he would be an excellent appointment for Scotland.

"Joe would be fantastic," said Redknapp. "He's been a good manager, at Hearts and Bristol City, and would be excellent.

"But I really wouldn't want to lose him because for me he is fantastic.

Great character

"You'd put your life on Joe. He knows the game, is a lovely man and a great character.

"He's a quiet man but when he says something it's worth listening to. He's a good guy."

Redknapp feels whoever gets the Scotland job will have a tough task trying to turn around the nation's footballing fortunes.

Burley was sacked last week after less than two years in charge, with their 3-0 friendly defeat by Wales meaning Scotland had won just three games out of 14 under Burley.

That record saw Scotland plummet from 14th to 46th in the Fifa world rankings during Burley's tenure and Redknapp feels that is largely down to a diminishing talent pool.

Fantastic players

"It's a hard job whoever takes it," he added. "Burley is a good manager but he had a hard job because where have the great Scotland players gone?

"No disrespect to the present squad - they have some decent players - but years gone by they were fantastic.

"Years ago they were the backbone of every English team - St John, Yeats, Law, Baxter and people like that. Souness and Hansen too, but something happened to Scottish football."