Queens Park Rangers’ next four months were likely to give Harry Redknapp more pain than the knee operation he insists was the reason for him stepping down as manager this week.

The 67-year-old said the effects of the surgeon’s knife would have stopped him taking training, but Redknapp had surely long stopped being a “tracksuit” boss.

That’s not a dig at ’Arry. Delegating partly explains his impressive longevity and less contact with his players probably gave his renowned man-management skills extra impact, although only if he rated you. David Nugent and John Utaka, for example, never really got one of Redknapp’s famous “arm round the shoulders”, more the cold shoulder once Redknapp had swiftly formed his opinion.

Former Portsmouth defender Linvoy Primus was one of the few players whom Redknapp changed his opinion about — and that was after Primus had “found God” and started training with renewed belief, not to mention faith, in his ability.

So, basically, Jesus Christ is the only man who could alter Redknapp’s opinion, which merely hints at the conviction of the man — Redknapp, not Jesus.

Anyway, the point is that the former Bournemouth, West Ham United, Portsmouth, Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur manager is a proud man supremely confident in his own management skills.

It may be that after all these years, Redknapp has lost the hunger and his decision to quit spares him a highly probable relegation with a club that has often appeared shambolic at best in recent times. Personally, I don’t blame him.

Meanwhile, congratulations to Mike Musson, who finished top of the January standings. A prize worth $100 is yours — e-mail jburton@royalgazette.com for details.

11am kick-off unless stated

Tomorrow’s games

Tottenham v Arsenal

8.45am

No Alexis Sánchez for Arsenal, which is a blow, although his absence has allowed the likes of Tomas Rosicky to step up.

Should be a cracker. Atmosphere always crackles between these two and both teams are in form. Arsenal have won five of their past six league games, while Spurs are unbeaten at home in their past six.

Prediction: 2-2

Aston Villa v Chelsea

One fears for Villa after their embarrassing 5-0 hammering against Arsenal.

Chelsea, who looked tired in the 1-1 draw against Manchester City, will surely be more vibrant, especially with new signing Juan Cuadrado likely to get a run-out at some stage.

Prediction: 0-4

Leicester City v Crystal Palace

Palace’s four-match unbeaten run came to an end against Everton but this is a chance to resurrect that momentum.

Prediction: 1-2

Manchester City v Hull City

Hull have dropped like a stone recently with three straight league defeats. Former Manchester United No 2 Mike Phelan has been drafted in to help kick-start a recovery.

City could have beaten Chelsea with a little more conviction. Sergio Agüero, looking sharp again, to run amok.

Prediction: 3-0

QPR v Southampton

Queens Park Rangers have Les Ferdinand in temporary charge after Redknapp’s exit. The team are at home, which is always a plus given their — literally pointless — away record this season.

Prediction: 1-1

Swansea City v Sunderland

Two sides who recorded confidence-boosting wins last time out. Jermain Defoe to pay back a little more of his chunky transfer fee for the away side.

Prediction: 0-1

Everton v Liverpool

1.30pm

Steven Gerrard’s last Merseyside derby — if he makes the team. Liverpool’s improvement has been obvious in recent weeks but this is always a closely fought Scouse dust-up.

Prediction: 0-1

Sunday’s games

Burnley v West Bromwich Albion

8am

The home side will hope striker Danny Ings’s head has not been turned too much by all the chat of a move to Liverpool. Ings will be crucial if Burnley are to stay up. West Brom won’t give an inch here.

Prediction: 1-1

Newcastle United v Stoke City

10.05am

Rémy Cabella has emerged from the shadows of the Alan Pardew reign and impressed with his ability out wide. Newcastle dispatched Hull 3-0 last time and another home win could be on the cards here.

Prediction: 2-1

West Ham v Manchester United

12.15pm

A genuine test for United at the Boleyn Ground as they attempt to position their wealth of attacking talent into a cohesive unit.

Wayne Rooney in midfield looks ineffective but if they can smother Andy Carroll, there is enough individual spark to snatch three points.

Prediction: 1-2