Fowler backs Redknapp for Liverpool

Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler has backed Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp as the man to replace Rafael Benitez at Anfield.

Redknapp transformed Spurs from relegation candidates to Champions League qualifiers in the space of 18 months and Fowler believes he could have the same impact at Liverpool.

Benitez left the club last week, just one season into a new five-year contract, after Liverpool finished a lowly seventh in the Premier League.

Big-name candidates such as Guus Hiddink and Jose Mourinho are unavailable after taking new jobs with Turkey and Real Madrid respectively.

Redknapp's Spurs replaced Liverpool in the Champions League after breaking into the top four ahead of Manchester City.

And Fowler said: "You want someone who has done well in the Premier League and knows how it works so you know, as a top man, why not Harry Redknapp?

"He's done fantastic with Spurs and he would be a very good manager for Liverpool.

"I'm not saying they'll go for him but he's done fantastic at all the clubs he's been at in the Premier League and so have Martin O'Neill and Roy Hodgson."

Redknapp has one year left on his current contract at White Hart Lane and Fowler believes Liverpool remain an attractive prospect for any player or manager despite their struggles last season.

"Liverpool underachieved last year and Rafa set himself higher expectations with what came the years before but it was always going to be difficult to match that or beat that," said Fowler, who has started training this week with his new team-mates at Perth Glory.

"It would be a good job for someone to take on. Liverpool's a massive club and they have underachieved in the last few years but in terms of world football, there are really not that many bigger clubs.

"We've got the chance to get someone in good but it remains to see who there is, because there doesn't seem to be many out there."

One of the criticisms levelled at Benitez during his reign was his disappointing record in the transfer market, which is known to be Redknapp's forte.

But Fowler insisted Liverpool cannot contemplate raising funds by selling prized assets Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres.

"There is obviously talk that Liverpool aren't in a position to spend much money - but when they do get someone in, you need to give that man some money," said Fowler.

"Regardless of the pull of the club you need some money to bring some players in that he wants. It's a tough one, if any manager comes in, he'll need money.

"Both (Torres and Gerrard) are world class and if the new manager wants to win leagues and cups you need players like that so whoever comes in will want to keep them.

"Players like that win you things. Admittedly you get a lot of money for them but if you do sell them it's very hard to replace them.

"Torres has been phenomenal when he has played and averages nearly a goal a game, he's up there with anyone in world football.

"You want him to play in as many league games as you can and if he plays those, he's going to score goals.

"It's important they do well in the league, the Champions League has been done recently. The majority of fans want the league over the champions league."

Fowler, who is preparing for his second season in Australia after moving from North Queensland to Perth Glory, would love to manage Liverpool - but not yet.

"That is a route I want to go down but on the level of Liverpool I'm years and years and miles and miles away from being anywhere near that," he said.

"Maybe one day, but I think I need to start a bit lower down."