Source: BBC

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has dismissed claims he will take security guards when he returns to Portsmouth for the first time since his departure.

The 62-year-old quit Fratton Park for White Hart Lane almost a year ago, a decision which angered Pompey fans.

But Redknapp, who guided Portsmouth to victory in the 2008 FA Cup final, insists he does not need protection for the Premier League match on Saturday.

"I don't want no security, I don't want anyone near me," said Redknapp.

"I'm not bothered about the idiots. There are enough good people at the club who I know well and appreciate what I did there.

"Am I bothered about some nutter running up to me? No."

The former West Ham and Southampton manager took over the reins at Portsmouth for the second time in December 2005, steering the club clear of relegation.

He took the club to ninth in the Premier League, their highest finish in the top flight since the 1950s, before their Wembley success in 2008.

He also brought in Lassana Diarra, Sulley Muntari, Glen Johnson and Jermain Defoe, all of whom were sold on for significant profit.

But Redknapp invoked the anger of Pompey fans when he quit the club for the second time to succeed sacked Spaniard Juande Ramos at Spurs on 26 October 2008.

"You supposed to stay in the same job for 50 years of your life? It doesn't work that way, not in football," he said.

"I've been the best manager they have ever had, I'm very proud of what I have achieved.

"I took them from the bottom of the Championship to winning the Championship and becoming a top-seven, top-eight Premier League club, winning the FA Cup.

"If people are stupid enough to shout abuse they need their heads looking at in my opinion."