Harry Rednapp the guest of honour at testimonial football match celebrating Patrick McManus’s time at Brockenhurst FC
Harry Redknapp was the guest of honour at a friendly match to celebrate Brockenhurst managerial legend Patrick McManus’s time at the club.
But it was not all pleasantries for McManus, who saw Vince Bartram – former AFC Bournemouth keeper and David Seamen understudy – save his second-half spot-kick.
McManus left the Badgers at the end of last season after leading out the New Forest side 534 times.
The match saw a youthful Badgers, managed by Redknapp – former AFC Bournemouth, West Ham, and Tottenham Hotspur manager – pitted against a less youthful Legends side, with McManus playing a half for each team.
However, despite the age advantage, the Legends took a 7-2 victory after hat-tricks from former Cherries star Brett Pitman and Silvano Obeng, and a goal from Shahob Sayaran.
The Badgers’ goals came from Stewart McAlpine and Harry Jeffries.
The Legends were two up when McManus – in a challenge he’d have been furious with had been one of his players – gave away a penalty that made it 3-0.
The second half started at 4-1, and the Badgers had the chance to narrow the gap with an early penalty, but it ultimately ended 7-2.
Former Brockenhurst manager Patrick McManus said: “It was a really magnificent day. I was extremely grateful to all who were instrumental in the planning and execution, and all the staff and volunteers who ensured it went so well.
“It was great to see so many players, past and present, and it was a lovely gesture by Harry Redknapp to manage my side too.
“Obviously, it goes without saying how grateful I was that so many people made the effort to come and watch.”
Speaking after his party-pooping penalty save, Bartram, father of Brockenhurst keeper Heath Bartram, said: “Just a standard Sunday afternoon penalty save. Sorry to spoil the fun on your big day, Patrick.
“I was going to let it in until you said you were going to burn my Arsenal shinpads!”