And that finally gives his ear a rest from the bashing it regularly receives from football agents.

The busiest time of the year inevitably prompts all and sundry to contact the top clubs in the country pedalling their clients.

Apparently, the best player you've never seen is up for grabs and just dying to show the world he can take the Premier League by storm. Some chance.

Yet it didn't stop Redknapp being inundated with agents keen to push forward a host of unlikely candidates.

Fortunately, those infuriating phone calls have slowed to a trickle since the early hours of September 1. And the Blues boss is loving it.

He said: 'I'm glad it's closed. You wish it wouldn't open again so your phone doesn't keep ringing with idiots recommending useless players to you all day.'

Redknapp signed just two players on transfer-deadline day – Glen Johnson and Papa Bouba Diop.

But despite his reputation as a wheeler dealer, he is relieved it is all over.

He said: 'You get fed up with people ringing you about players playing for non-league teams who are not in the team at the moment because they've fallen out with the manager.

'Then you have to remind them we are in the Premier League.'

What's your verdict? With the transfer window having been closed for two weeks, how do you rate Pompey's squad? Is it strong enough to carry them to a top-half finish? Will another striker be top priority again in January? Sign on or register on this page to submit a comment to the website or click here to send us an e-mail. Pleae tell us who you are and where you live.