Harry Redknapp has said that he would like to see Rio Ferdinand become manager of West Ham United.

Redknapp spent seven years in charge of the Hammers and gave Ferdinand his professional debut in 1996 after he came through the ranks at Upton Park. The pair then teamed up again at Queens Park Rangers last season.

West Ham are currently without a manager following the departure of Sam Allardyce, and Redknapp believes that 36-year-old Ferdinand has the right credentials to take over.

"Rio Ferdinand's doing his coaching badges and has got a great football brain. He always had good ideas and read the game well," Redknapp told Kicca.

"I'd like to see him as manager of West Ham. I'd go with him as director of football – that would be a good partnership. I'd love to see him get the opportunity somewhere, he's young and enthusiastic."

Former England centre-back Ferdinand announced his retirement from football last week, ending a 19-year career that also saw him play for Leeds United and Manchester United.