Harry Redknapp has revealed he has turned down an offer from Newcastle to stay at Portsmouth.
Fratton Park chief snubs Newcastle offer
Harry Redknapp has revealed he has turned down an offer from Newcastle to stay at Portsmouth.
Redknapp was widely reported to be Newcastle's top target to replace Sam Allardyce at St James' Park and was expected to make the move to Tyneside.
However, after holding talks with Newcastle chairman Chris Mort on Friday, Redknapp has decided to turn down the chance to manage Newcastle to stay at Fratton Park.
The news is a massive boost for Portsmouth ahead of their clash with Sunderland on Sunday, live on
Sky Sports 1.
It means Newcastle will have to look elsewhere for a new manager as they seek a replacement for Allardyce.
Redknapp admitted he could not walk out on Portsmouth despite receiving a fantastic offer from Newcastle.
Not right
"I'm happy - this is a club I feel comfortable at," Redknapp told
Sky Sports News.
"I have a fantastic relationship with the fans, a fantastic relationship with the owner and with Peter (Storrie, chief executive).
"The players I've brought to the club, I've sold Portsmouth to them and to
walk away having brought them here, when the club is doing so well, wouldn't be right.
"I have had a great offer, it was great offer and to be offered the chance to manage a fanstic club like Newcastle was a terrific opportunity for me.
"But at end of it I thought about it and I have got no intention of leaving here as I am happy here as i say.
"We have got a job now to keep taking this club forward.
"I have great support from Peter [Storrie] and the owner so to walk away is not have been the right thing to do."
Delighted
Pompey chief executive Peter Storrie was more than happy with the news that Redknapp had decided to stay.
He said: "I am delighted to say, despite all the speculation and everything that has gone on, I had a lot of discussions over the last few days and again this morning, I am delighted to say he is staying at Portsmouth.
"I am absoultely delighted, the owner is delighted, and I am sure all the fans are going to be delighted.
"Concentration now is obviously on getting three points on Sunday and biring in some players during this window so it is fantastic news
"In my opinion he is the best manger in Premiership by a mile and I am delighted we will be continuting to work together for many years to come."
