Dowie hails Redknapp

Dowie (l) hopes to get back on the managerial ladder

Former West Ham striker Iain Dowie gives his views to BBC Sport Online's Mark Ashenden on Harry Redknapp after his surprise departure from Upton Park.

Iain Dowie has supported West Ham United from a young age. He has also had two playing spells with the club.

The Hammers are a side close to his heart and on hearing the news that his former manager had walked out was a huge disappointment.

"It was a real shock. He's an excellent man manager, but it was just a black day for the club," Dowie told BBC Sport Online.

"I don't even know where it's all come from. He's taken the club from the fringe of relegation to an established Premiership force."

Management aspirations

"Harry's built a very solid base, combining some very good players, such as Michael Carrick and Joe Cole, with some older players who have been fantastic servants to the club."

Dowie has enjoyed happy times at Upton Park

Rumours continue that Redknapp will be the long term replacement for Glenn Hoddle at Southampton and Dowie believes his former boss would be an ideal choice at the Dell.

"He's an incredibly strong candidate," the 36-year-old added.

"He's got a fantastic record in the transfer market and he lives close to the club. When he's been out of the game for two weeks he'll get the buzz to get back in it again.

"He's a football man and hopefully that will happen."

The man dubbed as one of football's most intelligent players - he has a Masters degree in Aeronautic Mechanical Engineering - has also got management aspirations of his own.

He is now a Uefa licensed coach and although he didn't rule himself out of applying for the post at Upton Park, Dowie has strong desires to one day be involved with the club again.

I want to get in at grass roots level, work up the ladder and produce something I can be proud of

  Iain Dowie

"I played there and I supported the club as a boy. If at some stage in my management career I can be back there I would love to do that," he said.

"We will see how that path goes - maybe a few years down the line."

Dowie had been assistant manager at QPR and although his application to succeed Gerry Francis was unsuccessful, he reflected on his experience as the continuing "learning curve".

"I was disappointed not to get the job at Loftus Road, but I had a good grounding under Gerry Fancis," he said.

"I want to get in at grass-roots level, work up the ladder and produce something I can be proud of."

The West Ham management board are probably not considering Iain Dowie as a replacement for Redknapp.

But they can be assured that there is a man of huge managerial potential busy learning his trade, just waiting for his chance to strive for glory at the club he loves.

Look no further than Mr Dowie. He's got letters after his name you know.