HARRY Redknapp has made a shock return to football – as a director of non-League Wimborne Town.

Returning chairperson Paula Henley sensationally secured the services of the former Saints, Pompey, Cherries and Tottenham boss after her consortium had assumed control of the Southern League club, writes Ned Payne.

Chairperson of Magpies for five months until February last year, Henley then busied herself with managing Moordown under-eights where Redknapp’s grandson Bobbie plays.

That allowed the businesswoman to get in touch with Wimborne club patron Redknapp, regularly seen on the sidelines at Moordown matches, before holding talks with the 68-year-old at her Ferndown home on Wednesday.

When Redknapp agreed to join Henley’s Cuthbury revolution, she was left stunned.

Henley told The (Bournemouth) Daily Echo: “Harry has always been a patron but all he’s been asked to do until now is perform the patron’s draw and then go out for an Italian with a few of the directors!

“I explained my motivations for going back and said it would be absolutely amazing if he could have some involvement at board level – and he agreed.

“I was dumbstruck. I kept asking if he was sure because I couldn’t quite believe it. Having his name associated with us is huge.

“He views it as a good, traditional club and I think he could see my enthusiasm to try and improve things and wanted to help – I don’t think it’s any more than that.”

Sandbanks-based Redknapp has joined former chairman Paul Miller on the board of directors, which Henley estimates will end up being seven-strong.

And she was keen to underline that Redknapp, who has been out of management since departing QPR in February last year, would assume an advisory role.

Henley added: “In view of his experience, he will be there in an advisory capacity.

“I don’t want it suggested that he will help the club out financially because I haven’t asked him for that. It was never on the agenda.

“I don’t expect him to be at every board meeting or out there trying to drum up business – that’s not what it’s about.

“He is happy to support Wimborne Town and myself and help in any way that he can.”

Relegation-battlers Wimborne are due to host Evesham in Southern South & West on Saturday.

Scott Arnold is likely to return to the Magpies squad and boss Simon Browne is hopeful of completing a pair of loan deals in time for the fixture.