Redknapp refutes Spurs rumours
Harry Redknapp signed a new contract with Portsmouth before rubbishing earlier speculation linking him with a move to Tottenham.
Redknapp put pen to paper on a contract that ties him to Fratton Park until 2011 and was quick to scoff at rumours which suggested he was in the frame for the manager’s job at Spurs following Martin Jol’s sacking last week.
Spurs have since appointed Juande Ramos from Sevilla as their new head coach and Redknapp said: “There wasn’t really any truth in the Tottenham rumours.
“I enjoy looking forward to going to work every day. Life’s good here and it never entered my mind to want to leave here. I’m very happy here.”
But the Pompey boss still believes Tottenham can finish in the top seven of the Premier League even though they currently sit third from bottom.
Redknapp added: “After the top four, there are eight clubs who could finish fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth.
“Tottenham can put a run together and have got probably the best squad outside the top four – they could finish in the top six or seven.
“If we can stay in the top half all season, we will be very pleased. We’ve got a good backroom staff, fans and players – the club’s in good shape at present.”
Redknapp was delighted to sign his new contract and paid tribute to the backing he had received from owner Sacha Gaydamak and chief executive Peter Storrie since returning to the club.
Redknapp added: “I’m delighted. Since returning to Fratton Park, I have had nothing but the utmost support from Sacha and Peter.
“They have backed me 100% in the transfer market and I am genuinely excited about the group of players I have here with me now.
“The club as a whole is moving in the right direction with exciting news off the field with a new training ground coming next year and fabulous new state-of-the-art stadium also in the pipeline. It’s a great place to be right now and I can only see that getting better.”
Redknapp first took charge at Fratton Park from March 2002 until November 2004, and then again from December 2005 – a season in which the club narrowly avoided relegation.
He has been in charge for 197 games at Fratton Park, winning 87 and losing 64 and won 44 out of 124 in the Barclays Premier League.
Chief executive Peter Storrie insisted it was a “great coup” for the club to land the services of Redknapp on a long-term basis.
Storrie declared: “Harry has done a great job, first rescuing the club from the jaws of relegation and then building a team now strong enough to push for a European place.
“I know Harry has been impressed by Sacha’s plans for the club not only on the pitch but also off it.
“Obviously it’s a great coup for us to have one of the best managers in the business pledging his long-term future to the club.”
