So it’s official: Harry Redknapp is back in business after being appointed “football advisor” to Derby County head coach Darren Wassall (with some moonlighting as Jordan’s national team coach).

Quite what Redknapp’s role will entail is unknown, but the former Portsmouth and Queens Park Rangers boss is relishing the task at hand.

“From the first conversation I had with the Chairman it was clear he has exciting plans for the football club,” he told the Derby website.

“I am delighted to be able to help out and am looking forward to working with Darren and his team.”

Whether it’s via the emergency loan system or during the long summer months to come, the Derby move means Redknapp can return to his one true passion: signing players.

In fact, Harry has a particular set of favourites when it comes to player recruitment – here are just seven of the familiar faces we expect to see at Pride Park pretty soon.

1

Peter Crouch

Having made just eight appearances in the Premier League this season with Stoke, Crouch would undoubtedly jump at the chance to join Redknapp at Derby in what would be his forth reunion with the wheeler-dealer coach.

With the big man on board, Derby had best get used to a fair few more crosses coming into the box. They had also better get used to giving away a few more free kicks too.

2

Niko Kranjcar

Something of an Aldi equivalent of Luka Modric, Kranjcar owes pretty much his entire Premier League career to Redknapp and the manager’s insistence on signing the chubby Croatian playmaker at every opportunity.

Kranjcar played under Harry at Portsmouth, Tottenham and QPR. Currently a free agent, the 31-year-old has a Derby move written all over him. Sorry Rams fans.

3

Younes Kaboul

Unfit, out of form and in danger of suffering relegation with Sunderland, Kaboul has all the hallmarks of a classic Redknapp defensive signing. Best of all, with the Black Cats keen to get rid, the centre-back could be available for next to nothing.

Having signed him for Portsmouth from Tottenham before, just months later, signing him for Tottenham from Portsmouth, we really wouldn’t rule this one out.

4

Benoit Assou-Ekotto

With Derby facing something of an identity crisis and in danger of slipping out of the play-off picture, what better way to band the squad together than by signing a man who had a fight with one of his own teammates at the last World Cup and openly admits to hating football?

Not that Redders cares – Assou-Ekotto was a Tottenham regular under Redknapp and even spent time on loan with him at the sinking ship that was QPR.

Could he resist the lure of Derby? Probably, but Redknapp will try anyway.

5

Jermain Defoe

Currently scoring a shedload of goals for Sunderland, West Ham fans will know all too well that Defoe’s loyalty tends to go out the window the minute Premier League relegation is confirmed.

Should Sunderland find themselves in the second tier next season then don’t be surprised to see Defoe lining up for Derby. We’re pretty sure Harry would let the Black Cats have Darren Bent back though.

6

Nigel Quashie

The man who has suffered more Premier League relegations than David Nugent has had hot dinners, Quashie may be the ripe old age of 37 but if Redknapp is looking for a midfield enforcer to steer the club towards League One, then Nigel is his man.

Currently on the books at BÍ/Bolungarvík in Iceland, Quashie would jump at the chance to play for Derby. Obviously.

7

Sandro

Last and most definitely least, we reach the Brazilian midfielder who made the purchase of Paulinho seem measured by Tottenham’s usually reckless standards.

“Excellent, great lad, fantastic professional. I’m looking forward to getting him in the team and getting him playing. He’s a Brazilian international, I signed him at Tottenham. He’s a top player,” Redknapp said after bringing Sandro to QPR.

Despite denying reports claiming the ever professional Sandro aggravated an injury celebrating a goal in training, even Redknapp had to admit the South American failed to shine at Loftus Road.

He’s currently on loan at West Brom from QPR, though Redknapp probably already knows that.