The crisis-torn Dean Court outfit had been tottering on the brink of closure having gone into administration with debts of £4m.

Their future was finally secured last week when marketing group Sport-6 became the new owners.

The Cherries' preservation came as a massive to relief to supporters and Redknapp alike amid uncertain times.

And Pompey's boss conceded he had planned to step in himself with a takeover if the quest for new ownership had dragged on much longer.

He said: 'I'm delighted about the new owners, it's important.

'But the club were never going to go out of business, there were too many people out there who wouldn't let it happen, that's for sure.

'I told Jeff (Mostyn) three months ago if he can get someone else great but if it comes to the crunch I was always there for sure.

'Hopefully the new people will come in and take the club forward.'
Meanwhile, Redknapp has called on Bournemouth's new owners to put their trust in Kevin Bond.

The Blues' former assistant manager almost defied the odds to pull off a remarkable stay of execution in League One last term.

Despite relegation and a paper-thin squad, he remains in charge ahead of the current season.

His side certainly impressed in last night's friendly with Pompey, regardless of the 4-1 scoreline.

And his close pal believes Bond should be trusted to league the Cherries forwards.

Redknapp added: 'I thought Bournemouth worked hard last night, they did well, they caused us problems. The lad Pitman worked hard, full of energy, I thought they did all right.

'Kevin's got it all to do again, he needs some players. Just give him the tools and he'll do the job.

'He's got a massive job on his hands but it was amazing what he did that last half of last season.

'I came to the games, I watched them against Tranmere when Tranmere ran out full of big giants and Bournemouth ran out looking like a lot of kids.

'Bournemouth then absolutely slaughtered them, they played so fantastic.

'Kevin got that maximum out of them and what he needs now is some decent players as well as the FA not to be too harsh on the club.'