Why Shaun Derry has no regrets over missing Portsmouth's Redknapp revolution to join Crystal Palace

The former Blues skipper secured a Selhurst Park switch on the eve of the 2002-03 campaign.

In his absence, Redknapp’s overhauled side marched to the Division One title and secured Premier League entrance, registering 98 points and 97 goals.

In contrast, the Eagles finished 14th – and it wouldn't be for another season before Derry reached the top flight.

Nonetheless, he does not rue the decision to quit Fratton Park after objecting the treatment of former manager Graham Rix.

He told The News: ‘I don’t regret leaving Pompey, absolutely not.

‘I didn’t want to be at a football club for the whole of my career. I wanted to play for different clubs in different areas of England – I wanted to experience what living life was as a young person.

‘If you were to look at my career, the longest I ever stayed at somewhere was three years. So I was constantly upsticking and leaving.

‘At that moment when I left Pompey, it was two-and-a-half years and the right time for me. To work and play in London was definitely on my bucket list.

‘When Palace came knocking, Trevor Francis, the manager, made it happen really quickly. I jumped at the chance to play for a football club like Crystal Palace.

‘There was never any falling out at Pompey. Firstly, I had respect for the manager, somebody like Harry Redknapp came in having worked at some outstanding clubs.

‘I was a Championship player and he was a Premier League manager – there's an element of respect.

‘As I had been pretty open about not wanting to be there, I spent a lot of the pre-season with the youth team. Absolutely no problem, the first-team have to concentrate on their squad and I wasn’t going to be part of that.

‘I was with Shaun North’s group, he was brilliant, absolutely brilliant. Obviously you want to be with seniors, but he made it very easy for me to keep fit and was very respectful.

‘Wolves had shown interest, but, at that particular moment, I didn’t really want to play in the West Midlands. I wanted to keep my options open – and London was a place which interested me.

‘When I left Pompey on the eve of the season, I shook hands with everyone, including the coaching staff. You crack on.’

Derry’s third Palace match saw Pompey visit in August 2002, with the hosts leading 2-0 at the interval.

Then a remarkable turnaround, involving goals from Hayden Foxe and two from substitute Jason Crowe, saw Redknapp’s men triumph 3-2.

And it was a glimpse of the brilliance of that Blues side which remains fondly remembered.

Derry added: ‘We played them at Selhurst Park and saw what a great side they had assembled, they were brilliant that season.

‘I was pleased they got promoted. Some people asked why, that surely I would want them to fail? I don’t want them to fail, I want Pompey to be successful.’

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