Blues boss Mick McCarthy believes the ability to get the best out of players is the secret behind his QPR counterpart Harry Redknapp’s success in the game.
McCarthy feels QPR have the top squad in the Championship and that they should be in or around the top of the division come May.
While that brings pressure, he’s sure Redknapp, pictured with him above during their spells with Wolves and Spurs, will be capable of dealing with it: "In Harry, they’ve got one of the best who can handle it. They’ll be fine.”
What makes Redknapp such a good manager? McCarthy says he’s not entirely sure but has a few thoughts: "No idea, never worked with him. I don’t know.
"I think he gets the best out of his players. When he inherited Tottenham, they were bottom of the league and they ended up in the Champions League.
"Whatever he does, you can only cite his results and his performances. He seems to get the best out of people and he’s done it for a long time.”
The Town boss says that that’s very important: "If players want to play for you, you’ve got a really good chance.
"It’s not always about liking you, it does help if they do, but sometimes they respect you and they respect what you’re trying to do and how you go about your job, the tactics you employ and the way you treat people. Then you will get the best out of people, and he does.”
In addition to having an impressive group of players, Redknapp also has a strong backroom staff: "They’ve got a really good squad of players,” McCarthy adds.
"And Harry’s got his loyal, tried and trusted assistants in Kevin Bond and Joe Jordan. They’ve been together for a long time and they’ve had good success. Now they’ve got Steve McClaren and Steve Cotterill and that can’t do any harm.”