Why Harry Redknapp turned down Newcastle to remain at Portsmouth

Harry Redknapp admitted he was offered the Newcastle job when he was Pompey boss.
Former Pompey boss Harry RedknappFormer Pompey boss Harry Redknapp
Former Pompey boss Harry Redknapp

But he turned it down because he couldn't master the Geordie accent.

Redknapp almost departed Fratton Park for the Toon in January 2008, holding talks with St James' Park chiefs. 

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But he decided to remain at PO4 and went on to guide the Blues to FA Cup glory at Wembley four months later. 

Former Pompey boss Harry RedknappFormer Pompey boss Harry Redknapp
Former Pompey boss Harry Redknapp
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Redknapp '“ currently taking part on I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! '“ did leave Pompey for Tottenham in October 2008.

But the 71-year-old insisted he had no regrets about rejecting Newcastle to stay on the south coast.

He said: '˜I was offered the job but I just couldn't get my Geordie accent right.

'˜I don't regret anything, I don't look back, I look forward and move on.

'˜I went to Spurs and had four fantastic years and I don't regret staying at Pompey where I had a great time.'