Source: Sporting Life

Harry Redknapp has revealed how close he was to becoming Newcastle manager - and why accusations of being afraid of a big-club challenge drove him on after turning down the job.

Newcastle offered Redknapp a job in January but he stayed at Portsmouth and was appointed Tottenham boss two months ago, with Kevin Keegan and Joe Kinnear stepping into the hotseat at St James' Park during that time.

"I was absolutely nailed on to go at one time, I had really made up my mind to go," Redknapp said.

"On the Friday night I was going to go.

"I went out with my wife and Frank Lampard Senior and his wife Pat for dinner, and I sat down and we had a chat. I just decided I was happy where I was at the time."

Turning down the Newcastle job led to accusations that Redknapp was not ambitious - something that spurred him on.

"When the Spurs job came, I thought 'I've turned it down once' and had heard people say I didn't want to take a challenge on and didn't want to manage a big club," Redknapp said.

"That irritates you because I've always taken on challenges at struggling clubs.

"I thought, 'Well, this is my last chance to manage a big club', so I had to take it.

"I have always taken challenges on. Who else would be stupid enough to leave Portsmouth for Southampton and then go back again?"

While Redknapp has made a huge impact at White Hart Lane, Kinnear has also put a decent run together at Newcastle.

Redknapp feels the former Wimbledon manager should be given the Newcastle job beyond the end of the season when his contract runs out.

"At the time I was surprised when he got the job, everybody was surprised," Redknapp said. "But Joe has proved what you can do if you know what you are doing.

"He has gone in there with a bit of common sense, got on with the job and he's turned it around.

"They have got good players and I would love to see Joe get the job permanently."