A former professional football manager is searching for the worst football team in the region to turn around its fortunes.
Ex-Tottenham, West Ham, Portsmouth, and Bournemouth manager Harry Redknapp has teamed up with Specsavers and is seeking the worst grassroots football team in North Yorkshire that needs some help.
The community opticians and audiologists are giving one local club a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become Specsavers’ Best Worst Team and turn its fortunes around with face-to-face training from Harry, as well as a 'money-can't-buy experiences' usually reserved for elite clubs only.
Last season, Harry helped Cwm Albion overcome three years of consecutive defeats and a staggering -191 goal difference.
Netting 50 goals and 7 wins, the Swansea Senior League Division 4 side made one of the biggest comebacks in grassroots history, leaving the title of the next Best Worst Team up for grabs.
With training and mentorship from some of the most famous faces in the world of sport, Specsavers will give the UK’s biggest underdogs a season to remember.
The winning team can expect to receive 'money-can’t-buy' experiences to celebrate their successes, raise their game and give their bruised egos a well-earned boost.
Harry said: “I’m over the moon to be teaming up with Specsavers again. If the terrific season with the lads at Cwm Albion is anything to go by, it’ll be a good laugh.
"I was bowled over by the grit, determination and spirit of last season’s Best Worst Team, so I can’t wait to meet the team that’s got what it takes to be this season’s worst.
"I’ve got some fantastic surprises up my sleeve, so let’s see who’s up for it.”
Lisa Hale, head of consumer PR, Social & Brand Activation, added: “Should’ve gone to Specsavers has become part of our British culture and for decades we’ve celebrated those human moments when our eyesight and hearing let us down now and again.
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"Grassroots football is filled with human moments – whether it’s a questionable on-field decision or a missed open goal, so are very proud to be investing in this underfunded area of culture once again.
“We couldn’t be more excited to be working with Harry again this season to find our next ‘Best Worst Team’, so I would encourage all local clubs across the country to apply for the chance to win the title, and all the fame and glory that comes with it.”
Once Specsavers’ Best Worst Team has been selected, the healthcare retailer will be following and documenting the club’s journey throughout the 2024/25 footballing season.
Teams can apply or nominate a team to become Specsavers' Best Worst Team here.
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