Harry Redknapp returns to football - coaching Swansea's Cwm Albion
Cwm Albion had a '-191' goal difference last season
Footballing legend and FA Cup winning manager, Harry Redknapp has come out of retirement for his toughest job yet - transforming the future of the UK’s worst performing football team.
Returning to the dugout for the first time in seven years, the guru gaffer was once responsible for top clubs including the likes of West Ham and Tottenham Hotspur, but 'Cwm Albion,' will likely be his most difficult challenge to date.
Formed more than 100 years ago Cwm Albion, who lost all 22 of their games last season with a staggering -191 goal difference, is being given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to turn its fortunes around.
The team, who currently play in the Swansea Senior League, will now receive invaluable support throughout the season, including money-can’t-buy experiences usually reserved for elite clubs and face-to-face training from Harry.
This is all coming from Specsavers who identified Cwm Albion as 'the best worst team' in their nationwide search.
With a career that spanned over 25 years, Harry is used to working with players of Gareth Bale, Rio Ferdinand, and Frank Lampard’s calibre. But this new role will present a unique set of challenges as he swaps household names for a new cast of characters.
Among the star players, there’s 73-year-old John Rees, who has been with the club for over 50 years. Also available for selection are winger Shane Prior and his self-described ‘legs like Bambi’ and goalkeeper Jamie MacDonald who hasn’t had a clean sheet in his 10 years with the club.
Speaking of his new job, Harry Redknapp says:
"When I got the call up from Specsavers, I didn’t know what to expect. The team’s 191-goal difference certainly caught my eye, but after meeting the lads, you can’t doubt their determination.
"They’re a real close unit, and their hard work is already starting to pay off, with the lads securing their first win in three years in their latest match – 4-3 against Tennant Colts, fantastic result!"
Dan Gill, Cwm Albion Manager says:
"Having Harry on board for the season is the biggest thing to have happened to our club since I joined when I was 16 years old,’ he says. ‘He’s a huge inspiration for myself and the lads and we can’t wait to start training with him."
The Cwm Albion Team:
Jamie MacDonald, 35 – Goalkeeper. 10+ years at the club; 0 clean sheets but has a proud stat of three concussions.
John Rees, 73 – Midfield. Proudly the oldest member of the club at 73, having been involved with the team for well over 50 years.
Daniel Gill, 32 – Manager & Centre Midfield. Daniel has been with the club since the age of 16.
Liam Williams, 31 – Centre Midfield. Despite being a qualified referee, has been sent off on several occasions for dissent. Liam has been with the club on and off since the age of 14.
Ian Stephens, 47 – Striker. A journeyman striker who was once described as the Dennis Bergkamp of the Swansea Senior League. Ian has been with the club for two seasons.
Logan Stephens, 19 – Winger. Nippy winger, yet to see his full potential. Logan has been with the club for two seasons and is Ian’s son.
Chris Pippins, 36 – Centre Back. Known as the boomerang, keeps leaving the club but always returns. The only guarantee you can get from him is an own goal. Chris has been with the club over 15 years.
Richard Morse, 43 – Centre Back. Despite being in his 40s and (just about) 5’5”, has decided to reinvent himself as a centre back. Richard has been with the club for the best part of ten years.
Paul DiMarco, 33 – Centre Midfield. Disciplined holding midfielder. May actually get a nosebleed if he goes too far up the pitch. Paul is coming into his sixth season with the club.
Liam Parry, 23 – Right Back. Being from Liverpool, this is his first season at the club. He’s not fully aware of Cwm Albion’s result history and promises to be the club’s very own Trent Alexander Arnold.
Chris Evans, 33 – Striker. Very unique striker, deemed to be a better fisherman than a footballer - and that’s a reach. Chris has been with the club for four years.
Matthew Rowlands, 27 – Winger. Very unknown quantity to the club, having been brought in this season.
Kieran Lewis, 27 – Winger. Runs himself ragged for 90 minutes with nothing to show for it. Kieran has been with the club for six years.
Colin Gill, 58 – Centre Back. Having retired many times, the club just can’t get rid of him and he’s back again for another season. Colin has been with the club 30+ years.
Richard Adams, 36 – Reserve. So used to being a sub he’s claimed the number 12 shirt as his own. Richard has been with club for 15 years.
Chris Elson, 45 – Centre Back. Some would describe his style of play as old school. Loves a tackle and a booking to go with it. Chris has been with the club since 16 and is one of longer serving players.
Shane Prior, 32 – Winger. Legs like Bambi, but the clubs most lethal player (when he turns up). Shane has been with the club for six years.
Emyr Mansour, 22 – Fullback. Missed open goals as a striker so got pushed back to full back quicker than a jet. Been with the club for six years.
Josef Alli, 25 – Fullback. Unknown quantity to the team, first season with the club.