When Fulham boss Martin Jol expresses his belief that Harry Redknapp can rescue Queens Park Rangers from relegation, it is because he knows exactly what it takes to work a footballing miracle.
Jol’s second job in management was with Dutch top-flight minnows RKC Waalwijk who, when he took over in November 1998, were bottom of the table.
“They had just three points but we still managed to stay in the league,” he recalled. “I think Harry can do a similar job. Harry was appointed in November, the same month I joined RKC, so he has time.
“It is very important to stay positive, and it is a big challenge, but Harry is capable of coming up with very good results.”
Naturally, Jol (above) would prefer that Redknapp, with three draws from his three games, began a winning streak after tomorrow’s clash between the sides. But Jol is well aware how crucial that first win is, because he went six Premier League games without a victory at the start of last season before Fulham crushed Rangers 6-0.
Only five of Fulham’s starting line-up 14 months ago played in Monday’s win over Newcastle and there could be more new faces come the transfer window. “But not big time,” said Jol, ending speculation linking Fulham with a Manchester City’s Mario Balotelli.
