FOOTBALL Legend Harry Redknapp visited Barry Town United last month as a guest speaker at a sold-out club dinner.

The former manager of Tottenham, West Ham United, QPR, Southampton and Portsmouth attended a two-course dinner at Jenner Park on Friday, February 16.

The evening was sponsored by RIM Motors, in aid of the Barry Town United Academy, and included a raffle and auction to raise funds.

Guests at the event included local football fans and businesses who support Barry Town, as well as the first team squad and Barry’s Walking Football Team.

Mr Redknapp took time to have photographs taken before giving an after-dinner speech with stories about his time as both a player and manager in top-flight football.

Barry And District News: Barry Town Mayor Ian Johnson (R) with Harry Redknapp. Picture: Ian JohnsonBarry Town Mayor Ian Johnson (R) with Harry Redknapp. Picture: Ian Johnson (Image: Ian Johnson)

Mr Redknapp has history with Barry - he tried to sign goalkeeper David Forde for Portsmouth in 2002, but the 21-year-old at the time decided to go to West Ham instead as they were in the Premier League, despite them offering low wages.

Forde made 16 appearances for Barry Town United after signing with the club in July 2001 before signing for West Ham United in the January 2002 transfer window.

Mr Redknapp came out of retirement in December to led a hand at Cwm Albion, a Welsh team that currently plays in the Swansea Senior League who lost every single game they played last season.

Barry Town United are on a poor run of form in the Cymru Premier League winning only two of their last five matches against Newton and Aberystwyth.

The Linnets drew against Cardiff Met and Penybont before suffering a 3-0 defeat to Pontypridd United at Jenner Park.

Barry Town are 9th in the Cymru Premier League and 3rd in the Cymru Premier League relegation round.

They welcome Haverfordwest County AFC to Jenner Park on Friday, February 23 who sit in second place in the relegation round table and second place in the Cymru championship South.

Haverfordwest County beat Barry 2-1 in their home fixture on Boxing Day, December 26 after midfielder Jordan Cotterill received a red card twenty minutes into the match.

They travel to Jenner Park in search of a double win over Barry the match on Friday evening kicks off at 7:45 pm.