FOOTBALL boss Harry Redknapp took time out of his hectic schedule to launch a new charity appeal in Bournemouth.

The Spurs boss and favourite for the England manager’s job dropped into Bournemouth School to give a boost to Leukaemia Busters and to receive a cheque from the boys.

And he paid the charity the ultimate compliment, describing it as “far more important than any football match”.

Harry spent more than an hour chatting to staff and students and even presented football medals and a cup during a school assembly.

It was a moment to remember for Year 10 football team captain Joe Duffy who lifted the cup after his side’s recent win on penalties in the county cup final.

And dozens of lucky students managed to get autographs and pictures with the popular Premiership manager.

Harry was at the school to launch the Leukaemia Busters Legacy for Life appeal, which encourages supporters of the charity to leave it money in their wills.

And he received a cheque for the charity for £2,277 from students in the school’s Scott House, a sum raised by a series of events and which will be matched by a further donation from Lloyds Bank.

Harry, who drove to the school from his home in Sandbanks, said: “Forty years ago children diagnosed with leukaemia were at the end of their lives and now three quarters go on to live full and healthy lives.

“It is important to support this fantastic cause and do everything we can to try and find a cure for this terrible illness.”

Harry praised students at the school, who have supported the charity for many years, and added: “It really is a fantastic effort from all the young people here – this is a fantastic school.”

Harry told how he is now focusing on leading Spurs to Champions League football next season and has not yet considered the possibility of the England job. “We have got to make sure we finish third or fourth, that is my only concern. Don’t ask me about the England job, I haven’t got a clue.”

• More details about Leukaemia Busters and its new campaign are at leukaemiabusters.org.uk.