Harry Redknapp says he is having a ball coaching at international level and is open to extending his spell with Jordan beyond Tuesday’s crunch World Cup qualifier with Australia.
Missed out on England job
The former Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United manager was favourite to replace Fabio Capello as England manager in 2012, only to be ultimately overlooked in favour of Roy Hodgson. On Tuesday, though, he will conclude a two-match cameo as an international coach when he leads Jordan out to face Australia in a match they must win to be certain of progressing to the next round of Asian qualifying for the 2018 World Cup.
Jordan ‘friendliest people’
Redknapp, 69, said that while he was also committed to his post as an adviser to Derby County until the end of the English season, he would consider extending the Jordan role if asked.
“I’ve really enjoyed it, the people have just been fantastic,” Redknapp said. “All the staff and everybody, they’re the friendliest people I’ve dealt with. It’s been a great experience for me, it really has. So if there was something in the future, I’d look at it, for sure.”
Where are they now? Chelsea's Kenedy to Barca's Halilovic, the 2013 U17 World Cup's stars
Australia ‘a dangerous team’
Redknapp’s first game in charge was an 8-0 thrashing of Bangladesh in Amman on Thursday, but the Englishman knows that Asian champions Australia will present an altogether tougher challenge.
“They are a threat, the full-backs get forward, the boy [Brad] Smith I think is going to be a big player for Liverpool in the future. They’ve got a bit of pace in their team, they’re a dangerous team, a good team, there’s no doubt about that at all,” he said.
Surprised by standards
Redknapp said there was also quality in the Jordan squad. “When I came over, I had absolutely no idea about Jordan football, or how good they were,” he said. “I’ve been really, really surprised at the standard, it’s much, much higher than I ever expected. So, yeah, we are underdogs, but we’re underdogs with a real fighting chance.”
Jordan, two points behind Australia in Group B, could still get through to the third round of Asian qualifying with a draw if other results go their way.
Follow us on Twitter @NatSportUAE
Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/TheNationalSport
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Where to donate in the UAE
The Emirates Charity Portal
You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments
The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.
Al Noor Special Needs Centre
You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.
Beit Al Khair Society
Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.
Dar Al Ber Society
Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.
Dubai Cares
Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.
Emirates Airline Foundation
Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.
Emirates Red Crescent
On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.
Gulf for Good
Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.
Noor Dubai Foundation
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
