Friday, January 11 – 1991
Jimmy Carter and Jamie Redknapp, Kenny Dalglish’s near £1,5 million Liverpool investment, took the rough and the smooth routes to Anfield.
Millwall’s 25-old-year-old Carter, signed yesterday for £750,000, will be joined next week by 17 year-old Redknapp from Bournemouth.
Jimmy Carter, Millwall.
Those eight years difference in age represent heartache and struggle for Carter on the slippery ladder to the top. But, in the face of it, Redknapp took the lift.
Carter, once a dejected skinny youth who resorted to eating bananas to build up his weight, did not get on a first team bus until he was 21.
Redknapp, son of Bournemouth manager Harry, the former West Ham favourite, had walked out on Tottenham and played League football by 16.
Jamie Redknapp, Bournemouth.
Successful
Crystal Palace discarded Carter after his apprenticeship and he moved to QPR for a season – a reserve player with seemingly little future.
The transformation after he was virtually given away for £15,000 to Millwall led to yesterday’s move to the country’s most successful club.
Former Millwall manager John Docherty, now in charge at Bradford, said last night:
“I nearly got him for £5,000. They upped the price at the last minute. No-one else wanted him. I always told him he had to be patient. I always thought it would happen for him in his mid-20s.
“He had problems with his stamina when he was younger. I thought he would get stronger, last a game better as he got older.
“He had great individual ability and pace. It would just take time. He needed encouragement and constructive criticism. The first week I signed him we went to Shrewsbury for a match. He told me it was the first time he had travelled with the first team.”
Now Carter is in line for an immediate Liverpool debut tomorrow against Aston Villa, replacing injured Ray Houghton.
And his departure has fuelled speculation of a return to the Den of striker Tony Cascarino, Villa’s record signing, currently the victim of a hate campaign by the fans.
Carter said last night:
“I’m very excited. It’s a dream come true, but I’m under no illusions.
“I know I’ve got to produce the goods to stay in the side because there are so many good players here. If I get a chance I’ve got to make the most of it.”
Redknapp arrives unbruised, with father Harry revealing:
“I have got to sell him because of the club’s financial situation. He will play his last game for us on Saturday at Bury and the deal should be completed shortly after that.”
Redknapp senior brought his son back to Bournemouth in 1989 when he quit Tottenham despite protests from manager Terry Venables.
Tottenham are set to get 25 per cent of the fee from Liverpool, a condition of their releasing him from his schoolboy forms.
Ironcially, Queens Park Rangers will get a £200,00 slice of the fee for Carter, the kid that upset no-one when he left Loftus Road.
(Copyright: Daily Express, 11-01-1991, by Kevin Moseley)
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