Post by Billy on Jan 12, 2008 12:09:14 GMT -1
Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp has turned down an offer to succeed Sam Allardyce as Newcastle manager.
Redknapp was Newcastle's number one choice but after reflecting on it overnight he decided to stay put.
"I had a great offer to manage a fantastic club. It was a terrific opportunity but I had no intentions of wanting to leave," he said.
"I have a job to do to take this club forward and to walk away would not have been the right thing to do."
Redknapp, 60, was immediately installed as favourite to take over at St James' Park after Allardyce was dismissed on Wednesday just eight months into his rein as manager.
Despite public denials from Portsmouth that any contact had been made by Newcastle, the club reportedly gave Redknapp until lunchtime on Saturday to make a decision.
But the former Bournemouth, West Ham and Southampton manager felt he just couldn't walk away from Fratton Park.
"I'm happy here, people treat me well and I felt a loyalty to the club and the fans," said Redknapp.
Pompey chief executive Peter Storrie admitted he was "very worried" Redknapp would leave.
"It has been 50/50 for a few days," Storrie told BBC 5 Live.
"Last night I thought it might be going slightly the other way but we met up this morning and with a bit of verbal persuasion he has decided to stay."
Storrie indicated Redknapp felt he still had unfinished business at Fratton Park.
"This wasn't about finance, this was about ambition," he said.
"We have come such a long way over the past two years and if we can repeat that over the next two years then there is still a long way to go.
"He is loved by the fans and has put this squad together and he wants to take them to another level."
Redknapp will now take his side to Sunderland on Sunday while Newcastle are left to assess other managerial suitors.
Blackburn boss Mark Hughes was one of those linked with the job but he has distanced himself from the post, despite being installed as the new bookmakers favourite.
Other names include former Magpies striker Alan Shearer, Martin Jol, Jose Mourinho, Italy's World Cup-winning coach Marcello Lippi and former England boss Steve McClaren.
BBC sources close to the 37-year-old Shearer, though, say he is extremely unlikely to take the role as he is happy with his pundit work on Match of the Day.
Magpies assistant boss Nigel Pearson has been put in temporary charge for Saturday's match against defending champions Manchester United.
Redknapp was Newcastle's number one choice but after reflecting on it overnight he decided to stay put.
"I had a great offer to manage a fantastic club. It was a terrific opportunity but I had no intentions of wanting to leave," he said.
"I have a job to do to take this club forward and to walk away would not have been the right thing to do."
Redknapp, 60, was immediately installed as favourite to take over at St James' Park after Allardyce was dismissed on Wednesday just eight months into his rein as manager.
Despite public denials from Portsmouth that any contact had been made by Newcastle, the club reportedly gave Redknapp until lunchtime on Saturday to make a decision.
But the former Bournemouth, West Ham and Southampton manager felt he just couldn't walk away from Fratton Park.
"I'm happy here, people treat me well and I felt a loyalty to the club and the fans," said Redknapp.
Pompey chief executive Peter Storrie admitted he was "very worried" Redknapp would leave.
"It has been 50/50 for a few days," Storrie told BBC 5 Live.
"Last night I thought it might be going slightly the other way but we met up this morning and with a bit of verbal persuasion he has decided to stay."
Storrie indicated Redknapp felt he still had unfinished business at Fratton Park.
"This wasn't about finance, this was about ambition," he said.
"We have come such a long way over the past two years and if we can repeat that over the next two years then there is still a long way to go.
"He is loved by the fans and has put this squad together and he wants to take them to another level."
Redknapp will now take his side to Sunderland on Sunday while Newcastle are left to assess other managerial suitors.
Blackburn boss Mark Hughes was one of those linked with the job but he has distanced himself from the post, despite being installed as the new bookmakers favourite.
Other names include former Magpies striker Alan Shearer, Martin Jol, Jose Mourinho, Italy's World Cup-winning coach Marcello Lippi and former England boss Steve McClaren.
BBC sources close to the 37-year-old Shearer, though, say he is extremely unlikely to take the role as he is happy with his pundit work on Match of the Day.
Magpies assistant boss Nigel Pearson has been put in temporary charge for Saturday's match against defending champions Manchester United.
