THE victim of two giant killings, possible fall guys in the Premiership plot. And now, in this increasingly gloomy West Ham script, a manager who is prepared to take the rap. Harry Redknapp's seemingly selfless gesture - "the club is my biggest concern" - lacked nothing in dramatic timing coming in the wake of Wrexham's late winner at Upton Park on Saturday.

Redknapp's offer of resignation was not impulsive it was the product of chronic frustration and exasperation as much as immediate bitter disappointment. Redknapp said he would sacrifice his job "if it is in the best interests of the club".

Redknapp has effectively put his recent managerial record up for immediate review, a dangerous invitation to any troubled board. Some directors, noting the revivals after managerial change at Nottingham Forest and Blackburn, may be tempted to take up the offer.

His position is complicated by the campaign of Michael Tabor, the multi millionaire former bookmaker, to transform the board and transform the club with an immediate £15 million for new players.

Redknapp's negotiations for Newcastle's Paul Kitson and Stoke's Mike Sheron came far too late to introduce desperately needed new strikers into this third round replay. In storybook fashion, the tie was won by a journeyman, Kevin Russell, whose total transfer cost in that career spanning 10 clubs is £500,000.

The substitute nicknamed "Rooster" delivered, with a crushing 20 yard shot, a minute from time. Michael Hughes was easily contained by Wrexham's excellent centre backs, Humes and Carey, while Porfirio - West Ham's saviour at The Race course Ground - curiously was left to fret on the bench for 45 minutes.