Redknapp hails 'exciting' Cherries

The 68-year-old, who played over 100 times for the Cherries before spending nine years in charge as manager, has been delighted to see Eddie Howe's men climb to the top of the Championship with just seven games of the season remaining.

And ahead of their crunch Good Friday clash with Ipswich, Redknapp hailed Bournemouth as the best side in the second tier and labelled Howe's outfit as 'a proper team'.

"I think that they are the best team in the division; no doubt," he explained.

"Last year having played them twice when I was at QPR, they were an outstanding team, (I knew) that they would be there this year. I had absolutely no doubt that they would at least make the play-offs this season. Eddie Howe has done a great job.

"I've seen a lot of games, and they are the best team in the division.

"They play football like every manager, like every coach in England would love to have their team to play. They have got fantastic wingers, they play with two up front. They have got footballers in midfield, they have got great attacking full-backs.

"They are a really good all round team. They are a proper team. I just love watching them play. For me they are the most exciting team - okay I'm not saying they will beat a Chelsea or anything - but in terms of the football they play there's no one playing more exciting football than Bournemouth in this country at the moment."

Redknapp will return to management on Sunday May 31st (3pm) to lead a star-studded Men United XI against Leyton Orient legends, as O's youth coach and Prostate Cancer UK ambassador Errol McKellar hosts a charity football match at The Matchroom Stadium.

Tickets for the game, priced at £10 for adults and £5 concessions, will go on sale online from leytonorient.com the week commencing April 6, while hospitality details are at commercial@leytonorient.net. Meanwhile, to sign for Men United visit menunited.prostatecanceruk.org.