Harry: I didn't fancy the Portsmouth job

Last updated : 05 April 2004 By Alex Dale
Harry Redknapp has admitted that after watching his first game, a loss at Preston North End, he was beginning to believe those who had told him he had made a mistake by returning to football management at Fratton Park. He followed up by reminding us again, as if we need reminding, that he did a wonderful job in taking Portsmouth up as champions in his first full season.

Redknapp also had words to say after reports that David James would quit international football if Sven Goran Eriksson joins Chelsea.

I think we would see a different story from James if Eriksson suddenly dropped him or left him at home for Euro 2004" said the Pompey boss.

"It's astonishing. Just because you're in the team, the manager's the greatest thing there is.

"Sometimes I wonder if modern players get a bit carried away with their own importance.

"I accept that. In a way it's good that players are so frustrated when they're not in the team.

"I am sure there are plenty of players at Pompey who are not in the team at the moment who hate my guts, fair enough."