Redknapp rules out jobs

Jamie Redknapp has ruled out a swift return to the game in a coaching capacity.

Jamie Redknapp has ruled out a swift return to the game in a coaching capacity with Southampton or Tottenham.

The midfielder had to retire due to knee problems and was offered a role on Martin Jol's staff before heading for the South Coast in January.

After being part of the Saints side that was relegated, it was a difficult decision for the 31-year-old, who acted on the advice of top surgeon Richard Steadman.

"You know it's going to come to an end sooner or later," he explained to Sky Sports News. "I just think I half expected it in my heart of hearts.

"When I went over to America to see the surgeon, I was expecting he was going to tell me I had to retire because I was playing with quite a lot of discomfort last season.

"But it still hurts. When you love the game so much and have been around it for such a long time, it's going to be difficult not going in on a day-to-day basis next season."

Redknapp played down suggestions that he faced being crippled at a later age if he had prolonged his playing career.

"I think my Dad may have overreacted a bit there," he laughed. "You know what he's like.

"I went over to see Dr Steadman and have the procedure on my knee and maybe get playing for another year.

"His only advice was to stop playing, otherwise you'll have problems.

"I thought it was the right time to finish. When a doctor like that tells you to stop playing, there's only one thing to do; you can't go against these medical men.

"I've not spoken to Martin [Jol] since I left [Tottenham]. It was something as I was leaving to join Southampton as we'd spoken about going down that route with Martin.

"But I'm not really looking at that at the moment. If things change, you never know but I'm going to enjoy myself. I've got a summer ahead of me and have got coaching badges to do and I might be able to do some more media work in the future.

"Since I was eight or nine, I've been going into a football club environment and you get so used to the day-to-day life. It's a great life, I've always enjoyed it and that is what I'll miss the most.

"It'll be a big miss for me next season but life goes on. I'm nearly 32 and could have finished a lot earlier so you have to be positive about everything.

"I don't think Southampton is an option," he admitted. "As much as I really enjoyed it, that's the reason I wanted one more year as I was desperate for Southampton to come back up.

"It's a shame my career finished on that note, with relegation, that's why I wanted one more year, but it wasn't to be."