Joleon Lescott Recalls Dodging a Deadline Day Disaster
Former Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott has disclosed that he narrowly avoided a transfer saga reminiscent of Peter Odemwingie's infamous 2013 deadline day debacle. Lescott revealed he received a phone call from Harry Redknapp, similar to the one that led to Odemwingie's public embarrassment, but firmly declined the approach.
The Odemwingie Incident: A Premier League Legend
Peter Odemwingie's deadline day fiasco remains an iconic moment in Premier League history. In January 2013, the then-West Bromwich Albion striker was photographed outside Queens Park Rangers' Loftus Road stadium, eagerly anticipating a move that had not been finalised. The situation escalated into a cringe-worthy interview with Sky Sports News, followed by the collapse of the transfer deal.
Years later, former QPR manager Harry Redknapp admitted he had contacted Odemwingie, instructing him to travel to London. Redknapp clarified that he advised the striker to check into a hotel, but a communication breakdown resulted in Odemwingie arriving directly at the football ground, sparking media frenzy and ultimately scuppering the move.
Lescott's Close Call with Redknapp
Speaking on the podcast In The Mixer, brought to you by Sky Bet, Lescott shared his own experience. "He [Odemwingie] got a phone call from Harry. I've had one of those phone calls and refused to go down. No chance," Lescott stated. He described receiving the call while in a car with his brother, with Redknapp abruptly announcing, "Hi. It's Harry and we've just agreed a fee..."
Lescott expressed confusion, noting he was unaware of any availability for transfer. "I didn't even know I was available! I was like, 'No. I'm alright. I ain't coming down.'" He immediately contacted his agent to prevent future embarrassment, emphasising the need for prior communication.
Redknapp's Account of the Odemwingie Saga
In a talkSPORT interview three years ago, Redknapp recounted the Odemwingie episode as "probably the biggest disaster" during his tenure at QPR. He explained that while confident the deal would materialise, he advised Odemwingie to drive to QPR and stay in a nearby hotel. However, Odemwingie proceeded straight to the stadium, leading to chaotic scenes and the deal's termination.
This revelation underscores the high-pressure, often chaotic nature of football's transfer windows, where miscommunication can result in public spectacle and failed negotiations. Lescott's decision to reject Redknapp's call highlights a cautious approach that spared him a similar fate.
