London - QPR manager Harry Redknapp has compared the January transfer window to gang warfare and says agents are too busy trying to screw each other.
The Loftus Road boss, who is known to pounce on the final day of the window with significant signings, has complained about the behaviour of football agents in an inflated market.
“This transfer window - I’ve never seen anything like it. Every agent seems to be trying to screw each other. It’s like gang warfare out there. It is scary,” Redknapp said. “If you’ve got a deal for a player, another agent will try to scupper that deal if he is not involved in it. It’s unreal. It’s unbelievable what’s going on. They’re all fighting for big money, that’s the problem.”
Having crashed out of the FA Cup to MK Dons, QPR turn their attention back to the Premier League, of which they are currently bottom.
“We’ve always said we needed to strengthen and we’re trying all we can to get a few in,’ Redknapp added.
“I’m sure there’ll be clubs looking to do some business, but it’s always difficult.'
“The club has been unlucky with injuries to Bobby Zamora and Andy Johnson. That makes a difference.
“There’s still a long way to go and plenty of points to play for. I still think we’ve got a good chance.
“The people here deserve to stay in the Premier League. They’ve put in everything they can to being successful.”
Meanwhile, Redknapp said he was not pleased with the way Peter Odemwingie had taken to Twitter to make public his desire to leave West Brom and join QPR.
The Nigeria striker responded to fans on the social-networking site and slammed his club for not allowing him the transfer.
QPR chairman Tony Fernandes also posted on Twitter this weekend, telling followers he would leave the club if they were unable to avoid relegation, and Redknapp was equally critical of speaking in such a public manner.
Redknapp said: “It’s a difficult situation for West Brom. It’s not worked out in an ideal way. The whole situation has been too public really.
“I’m sure they’re not too happy with the way it’s gone, but it’s not been our doing really.
“We made an inquiry and that inquiry leaked out and the player decided he wanted to move to London and that’s how it’s come about - become a bit public since then.
“(Odemwingie) won’t talk to me on Twitter, I don’t know what it is. Too many people get involved on Twitter. You’re asking for trouble really.”
Redknapp added of Fernandes: “It would be a big blow for this club if he ever left. He’s a great guy, you couldn’t get a better man to work for than him. But I don’t think that’s a possibility. His heart’s right into it.
“Nobody is trying harder than him to put right what’s gone wrong. He loves the club and they’re very fortunate to have a chairman like him, I think. The only advice I would give Tony is: get off Twitter.”
Redknapp denied Fernandes was not cut out for working in the often ruthless world of football.
“I’m sure he is ruthless,’ he said. “You don’t become a successful business man if you’re a fool. If you’re a clever guy, like he is, you learn quickly. You learn who you can trust, who’s on your side.
“I don’t think the club, in all honesty, has spent big money on transfers this summer. They bought lots of players on frees and paid them good wages. It’s always a gamble. Unfortunately, in some cases, it hasn’t worked out.”
Daily Mail