Redknapp is already the bookmakers' favourite to succeed Fabio Capello when his contract expires after next summer's European Championships. Pulis has regularly championed the cause of his friend, and Tottenham's form over the last two seasons has only strengthened that belief. "I've known Harry for a long time; he's a very good judge of a player as he bought me in 1986," joked the Potters boss, referring to his move to Bournemouth from Newport County. "It has to be an English manager this time and you look at everyone out there and his credentials are better than anyone else's. "For me there is only one Englishman who could really do the job and he is at the right time in his career - though Tottenham won't like me saying it. "He has everything. Man-management is important, especially today with the egos you have to deal with in professional football - he knows how to handle people. "He understands and recognises the game and how stressful it can be at times and how up and down players can be. "He gets the best out of players; if you look at his record it is absolutely fantastic. "He has gone to a club that potentially could be a top club and he took them close in the Champions League last year (reaching the quarter-finals) and they are a better side this year than last." The pair will come face-to-face at the Britannia Stadium on Sunday but it is only a fortnight or so since the last time they met. Early last month Redknapp underwent a heart procedure and during his convalescence Pulis paid a visit. "I went down and had a coffee with him a couple of weeks ago when he had his operation. "He was talking about football with passion as he always does. Pulis believes the signing of Scott Parker, who made a £5million move from relegated West Ham, has been pivotal to Redknapp's plans. "I read a quote the other day that this is probably the closest they have got to the 1960/61 side that won the double under Bill Nicholson," Pulis added. "The signing of Scott Parker has probably been the best signing this season as he has been outstanding. "Parker has knitted the group together and has kept it nice and solid and has been the difference between them winning and losing games. "He has definitely gelled both parts of the team together because they attack and defend much better and they are not as vulnerable as before. "But you can't isolate one player; they have Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon with fantastic pace and Luka Modric is a world-class player." Spurs are only a point behind second-placed Manchester United with a match in hand and Pulis believes they could be genuine title challengers this season. They have won their last six league matches and are currently the form team. "They are one of the top-four sides this year but I think Harry might be looking for more than that considering the way they are going," added Pulis. "This might be the team that pushes the two Manchester clubs for the title. "They are the form team and Tottenham will be looking for those clubs to slip up and give them a chance."
