Storrie: Sacha and I did all we could to keep 'Arry
Pompey chief executive Peter Storrie said he and owner Sacha Gaydamak tried to keep Redknapp at the club – and almost succeeded.
Mr Storrie told The News that the manager had repeatedly changed his mind about going to Spurs, even after a compensation package had been agreed between himself and his Tottenham counterpart Daniel Levy.
He dismissed Redknapp's assertion that the 5m compensation fee paid to Pompey was effectively a transfer fee to make up for the FA Cup holders not managing to sell more players in the last transfer window, and said the amount paid was simply the correct amount laid down by Premier League rules.
'We tried really hard. Sacha tried, everybody tried,' said Mr Storrie.
'At one stage I said to Harry it would be absolutely fantastic if you rang me and said you were staying because that's what we want.'
Mr Storrie dismissed fears that Redknapp's departure was prompted by financial problems at Pompey.
The chief executive added that he hoped to see the ex-Pompey boss at tomorrow's ceremony to grant the freedom of the city to Redknapp and the FA Cup winning squad.
Storrie added: 'I know Portsmouth fans will be disappointed, as we are.
'We are gutted. But please, please think about what he's done for the club and what he's achieved and have respect for the man and for the job he's done.'
Also see: The darkness before the dawn? - From Pompey to Where? - latest blog post
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
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Weather for Portsmouth
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 15 C to 23 C
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