Sir Trevor, who was on a visit to Fareham yesterday, said his former West Ham team-mate fully deserved to lift the FA Cup last weekend.

'For Harry to lift the Cup, I'm sure will be a memory that will stay with him for the rest of his life,' said Sir Trevor, a former England player and now the Football Association's director of football development.

'I know Harry particularly well, we go back a long way. I'm pleased for him, he's been in the game a long time.

'He's a great character, really bubbly, and footballers can relate to him.

'I don't think anyone would begrudge him the win at the weekend, especially after such a tough and tragic few weeks with the death of his wife's sister, Pat Lampard.'

Sir Trevor's comments come as pubs across the city drum up support for Redknapp in our campaign to make him 'Sir Harry'.

Many have put petitions on the bars for punters to sign urging Downing Street to recommend Redknapp for a knighthood.

Manager of The Milton Arms, Barry Smith, said: 'He has done the team and the city proud. I think he has done a lovely job.

'We've got a lot of signatures already.'

Regular Duncan Martin, 49, from Meon Road, who signed the petition, said: 'He has done a superb job for the city. I think he deserves some sort of recognition – he did a lot of good for Portsmouth Football Club.

'There is a lot more community spirit going about now.'

Landlord of The Shepherd's Crook in Goldsmith Avenue, Ben Kitts, added: 'With the support shown by the entire city, surely he deserves a knighthood.'