Controversial ex-Liverpool forward Stan Collymore once claimed that a former Red only used to pass sideways and backwards during his time at Anfield. Collymore spent just two years at the club between 1995–1997, scoring 35 and adding a further 16 assists in 81 appearances.
While the Reds team were not quite as strong as the outfits that the likes of Gerard Houllier and Jurgen Klopp would go on to build, they still had several talented names in the squad such as Robbie Fowler and Steve McManaman. However, Collymore was not overly impressed by what he saw from one teammate.
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Collymore Claims Jamie Redknapp Only Passed 'Backwards and Sideways'
The forward was clear with his assessment of the injury-prone midfielder
Speaking to FourFourTwo about his favourite players to play with at Nottingham Forest, Collymore gave a savage assessment on Jamie Redknapp, claiming that he only passed 'backwards and sideways.'
Collymore praised Lars Bohinen for his ability to spot the Englishman's forward runs, but in doing so left a subtle dig aimed at Redknapp and his ability on the ball.
"When I was at Liverpool, Jamie Redknapp used to pass sideways and backwards a lot, whereas at Forest, Lars [Bohinen] just looked for me. When you’re in tune with a midfielder and know he’s going to pick out a striker when defences are playing a high line, I could peel off the back of my marker and sprint in behind. He set up tons of goals for me.”
Prior to becoming one of the most injury-prone players in Premier League history, Redknapp was a mainstay in both the Liverpool and England teams of the 1990s. He made 308 appearances for the Reds and also earned 17 caps for the Three Lions between 1995 and 1999.
Collymore may have made the brutal comments, but he is no stranger to receiving similar criticism. In fact, the 54-year-old was once described as the worst England player Teddy Sheringham ever played with.
"There's a fella on the radio at the moment. He talks for fun and he makes out he was the best player in the world," the 1999 treble winner stated.
"Good player in his time, but he played for England and I saw his debut. I was in the squad, but I wasn't playing at the time. I watched the game. Absolutely shocking - and he gives out so much stick: Stan Collymore."
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All statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt - accurate as of 12/07/2025.