'Harry Redknapp fined me four-week's wages after I joined Portsmouth's Premier League promotion party' - Courtney Pitt

Courtney Pitt has revealed how taking part in Pompey’s promotion celebrations earned him a four-week fine.
Nigel Quashie celebrates with Pompey fans after sealing promotion to the Premier League in April 2003. Picture: Jonathan BradyNigel Quashie celebrates with Pompey fans after sealing promotion to the Premier League in April 2003. Picture: Jonathan Brady
Nigel Quashie celebrates with Pompey fans after sealing promotion to the Premier League in April 2003. Picture: Jonathan Brady

The left winger made 41 appearances during two-and-a-half seasons for the Blues, yet didn’t feature during the memorable 2002-03 First Division title-winning campaign.

Regardless, Pitt was invited to join team festivities at the Marriott Hotel in April 2003, following the promotion-clinching 1-0 triumph over Burnley.

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However, after turning up, the 21-year-old was hit with a four-week fine by Harry Redknapp which was later reduced after the PFA became involved.

It was a curious dispute which revolved around a reserve-team fixture against Cambridge United at Westleigh Park the day after the promotion party.

Pitt told The News: ‘The night we got promoted at home to Burnley, we went out and partied. I was invited to the Marriott hotel for the celebrations.

‘Well, I had a reserve-team game the following day – and the club fined me for being out two days before a match!

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‘They had even given me permission to be at the party, so, as you can imagine, I didn’t think it was fair. It was shocking.

Courtney Pitt, seen here against Grimsby in August 2001, made 41 appearances for Pompey after joining from Chelsea. Picture: Allan HutchingsCourtney Pitt, seen here against Grimsby in August 2001, made 41 appearances for Pompey after joining from Chelsea. Picture: Allan Hutchings
Courtney Pitt, seen here against Grimsby in August 2001, made 41 appearances for Pompey after joining from Chelsea. Picture: Allan Hutchings

‘Harry Redknapp requested a meeting to see me, but it didn’t end well.

‘He said “We’re going to fine you four-week’s wages”. I replied “You’re not”. He said “I am”. I responded with “We’ll see”. Obviously there were a few choice words!

‘If they valued me they wouldn't have fined me, that was the be-all and end-all. They didn’t want me there.

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‘During that meeting, he claimed I’d also refused to do rehab with the physio on a previous ankle injury.

Former Pompey player Courtney Pitt is currently under-18s coach at Burton AlbionFormer Pompey player Courtney Pitt is currently under-18s coach at Burton Albion
Former Pompey player Courtney Pitt is currently under-18s coach at Burton Albion

‘I didn’t refuse, that’s not me, I would never refuse. What actually happened was I asked if I could do another rehab exercise rather than that particular one. They just wanted me out at the time.

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‘I felt four-week’s wages was harsh, so went to the PFA – and we compromised on two-and-a-half weeks.

‘Earlier that season, I was late for a pick up at Whiteley on the way to an away reserve game.

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‘I was five minutes behind the coach so rang asking if they could wait, but Andy Awford insisted they had to leave.

‘Instead I asked whether I could meet them at the next junction. He replied: “No, don’t bother”. So I went home.

‘That was naivety from me, I should have just driven to the game. Awfs told me not to, but I should have gone anyway.

‘That earned me a two-week fine, but was fair enough, it was my fault.’

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There was no way back in his relationship with Redknapp, with brief loan spells at Luton and Coventry instead offering first-team football.

And Pitt admits there remain regrets over how he handled the situation.

He added: ‘My agent (Sky Andrew) told me to apologise to the manager the following season, but I never did.

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‘I probably should have as I would have then been in and around it a bit more.

‘Jamie Vincent apologised for the same kind of thing, he was going through a tough time in his personal life. He was around the first-team after that.

‘Whereas I said “I ain’t doing it”. That’s me aged 21!’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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