Redknapp booed as he receives freedom of Portsmouth

October 28, 2008

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Harry Redknapp was booed Tuesday as he arrived here to receive the freedom of the city — three days after the football boss quit Portsmouth to manage Tottenham.

Redknapp, 61, was met with loud boos from the public and shouts of “Judas” as he walked up the steps of The Guildhall in the south coast city.

The east Londoner left Portsmouth FC late Saturday to take over at English Premier League strugglers Spurs.

But he returned to the city to receive an honour bestowed on him by Portsmouth City Council for guiding Pompey to victory in the FA Cup final at Wembley in May, beating Cardiff City 1-0 to lift their first major trophy since 1950.

Despite Redknapp’s shock departure and the risk of a negative reception, the council decided to proceed with the honour.

Portsmouth appointed Redknapp’s former assistant Tony Adams as their new manager just hours before the ceremony.

Redknapp told Sky Sports television on Monday that he would still be attending.

“I am proud they have given me that and I wouldn’t not take it,” he said.

“It was given to me for what I did at Portsmouth, for winning the cup and what I did at the club, so why shouldn’t I go back there?

“I think they want me to go and do it and I am very proud to.

“It is a great privilege to be given the freedom of the city.

“On behalf of myself and all the players I would like to thank the people of Portsmouth for their amazing support during last year’s FA Cup campaign and for bestowing this honour on us.”

Portsmouth City Council leader Gerald Vernon-Jackson said he was “absolutely gutted” that Redknapp had left Fratton Park.

“I’m incredibly disappointed that he’s going because he’s done so much but that doesn’t take away his achievements,” he said Monday.

“Pompey winning the FA Cup for the first time since 1939 was a fantastic achievement. This special ceremony lets the whole city honour that triumph.”

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