Redknapp 'didn't want Pompey meeting'

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp admits facing his former club Portsmouth in the FA Cup semi-final was the draw he was dreading.

Redknapp has fond memories of his time at Fratton Park which included a cup triumph at Wembley before being tempted by White Hart Lane last season.

"I was pleased that Portsmouth got through but I really didn't want to draw them," Redknapp said.

"If I am honest I was hoping to draw Aston Villa but you cannot choose who you play.

"You expect the majority of people to be behind Portsmouth - except Southampton fans."

Redknapp won silverware with Pompey two years ago but he ranks keeping them in the Premier League, after returning there in the 2005/06 season, as his greatest triumph.

He said: "Going to Wigan and winning was a special day, when we were 10 or 11 points adrift with 10 games to go and went on that fantastic run.

"When I went back there really I would not be sitting here now if it had gone wrong. I took a massive gamble. It was the worst team I had ever seen in my life and we were so far adrift. Suddenly it was win, win, win."