HARRY Redknapp has signed a Dorset businessman as his co-host for a new celebrity podcast.

Roger Woodall, co-founder of Bournemouth 7s Festival, has joined the soccer manager to interview the likes of Piers Morgan, Sir Rod Stewart, Frank Lampard, Romesh Ranganathan and Mo Gilligan.

Mr Woodall – known as Dodge – mothballed his own business running Dorset’s big sport and music festival and started his own podcast, Eventful Entrepreneur, during lockdown.

Harry Redknapp said: “I’m delighted to team up with Dodge to launch my first ever podcast.

“It’s a real honour to chat to some amazing people from the world of sport and entertainment.

“Listeners will be in for a real treat and a right laugh with the line-up so make sure you tune in,” the Poole-based former soccer boss added.

Bournemouth 7s CEO "gutted" about cancelling 2020 event

Mr Woodall said: “In March 2020, when I heard Boris asking everyone to stay at home, I thought: ‘This is reality now’. We announced full refunds for the 2020 Bournemouth 7s Festival due to take place that summer.

“With the festival being put to sleep for a year, I decided to launch the Eventful Entrepreneur podcast, something I had passionately wanted to do for a long while. It launched in September.

“I was then approached by Element Studios in November who asked me co-host The Harry Redknapp Show. Being a West Ham fan, Harry was my childhood hero, so I immediately said yes. The next Wednesday I was interviewing legends such as Frank Lampard, Piers Morgan and Sir Rod Stewart.

“It’s been an absolute joy and I can’t wait to share it with everyone. There’s not a better person to do a podcast with than Harry Redknapp, one of life’s gentlemen. We’ve had a great time recording the podcast episodes listening to the most incredible football stories, along with a ton of hilarious stories and laughter.”

Mr Woodall, who has created 12 festivals and 1,500 live events, got into the events sector after hosting his own parties at Loughborough University.

He launched Bournemouth 7s Festival during the recession of 2008 and it grew to attract 30,000 people a year.

He said: “As a business owner myself, I’ve taken some very big risks over the past 20 years and know it can be a very lonely place.

“My thoughts are with all business owners right now who will be going through hell, having sleepless nights over money, overheads and staff costs.

Bournemouth 7s owners have spent £500,000 keeping business afloat

“I urge every single one of you not to bottle it up, not to let pride get in the way but to speak openly with friends and family about the financial situation that you are currently in. And always follow your passion, as you never know where it will lead.”

  • The Harry Redknapp Show podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Music, Global Player and Amazon Prime.