Redknapp: My Spurs exit is a great deal for Pompey
Harry Redknapp has insisted his move to Spurs is a 'fantastic deal' for Pompey.
One of the Blues' most successful-ever managers has quit Fratton Park to take over at White Hart Lane after Juande Ramos was sacked.
Redknapp's departure has left many Pompey fans disappointed after he steered them to FA Cup glory in May, as well as their first-ever venture into Europe.
But the Londoner insists the 5m compensation Pompey will receive for the move will bring in some much-needed funds.
And he hinted the need to sell more of his Blues stars in January helped make up his mind to go.
Redknapp, who confirmed he would not be taking coaches Tony Adams and Joe Jordan with him, said: 'We got a phone call from Tottenham saying they would like to speak to me. Peter Storrie spoke to Daniel Levy and I think they've come to a deal where Tottenham are actually paying 5m compensation to Portsmouth which is a fantastic deal.
'In all honesty we needed the money. Things are tight, the owner Sacha has been fantastic but we get 19,000 people and we sold one or two players in the transfer window and in the end we've had to sell the manager.
'The funds are tight. We were talking about selling players in January unfortunately. Sacha's given us great support but we were hoping to do a deal or two before the window closed and it didn't happen and suddenly Tottenham have come in and offered 5m which is good money for the club.'
After rejecting the chance to become Newcastle boss last season, Redknapp admitted he could not say no to Spurs - even if it was tough to leave Pompey.
He said: 'It's a great opportunity for me. It's a big club and a chance for me to manage a big, big club before I retire.
'I love Portsmouth and I geniunely loved my time there. The fans were great. We had some fantastic success and I've never been happier than my time there.
'Portsmouth are in great shape. They've got a terrific team - the best group of players they've ever had. I'd just like to thank everybody for the great times I've had there.
'But Tottenham have come in. It's a great deal for Portsmouth and it's a great chance for me to get on at Tottenham.'
Also see: Storrie: Decision to quit was totally Harry's
Redknapp could be back for January signings
Harry Redknapp's Pompey timeline
Storrie: I thought I'd done enough to keep Harry
Storrie: Sacha and I did all we could to keep 'Arry
The contenders for Pompey manager: Tony Adams
The contenders for Pompey manager: Sam Allardyce
The contenders for Pompey manager: Glenn Hoddle
Distin: Players left in the dark
Pompey announce Redknapp departure
Harry Redknapp quits Pompey for Spurs
Redknapp: My Spurs exit is a great deal for Pompey
The darkness before the dawn? - From Pompey to Where? - Latest blog post
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Weather for Portsmouth
Friday 10 February 2012
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