Redknapp appoints Kevin Bond

(GETTY IMAGES)

Harry Redknapp has made his first coaching appointment at Tottenham by bringing in his former Portsmouth and Southampton assistant Kevin Bond.

Redknapp, who left Fratton Park to take over at Spurs over the weekend, has also confirmed he still intends to return to Portsmouth tomorrow to receive the freedom of the city.

The 61-year-old was granted the civic accolade after guiding Portsmouth to FA Cup success last season.

Redknapp told Sky Sports News: "I am proud they have given me that and I wouldn't not take it.

"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 not a problem.

"I will have to finish training and drive back there rather sharpish."

Redknapp arrived at Tottenham's training ground with Bond this morning for a session with the players.

Bond was most recently Bournemouth manager but was sacked in September.

Redknapp would not reveal who else he intends to join his coaching staff but admitted he does admire former Spurs captain Tim Sherwood.

Redknapp said: "Kevin Bond has joined me."

He added: "There are a couple of lads who have been here who I spoke to about joining us as well. We will wait and see what happens with that one.

"I like Tim, I think he is very knowledgeable and great on the game."

Redknapp's arrival at the helm yesterday preceded the club's first victory of the season.

Spurs remain bottom of the Barclays Premier League but Redknapp believes the 2-0 win changed the whole mood of the club.

He said: "Yesterday was the big day, we got off to a great start. To win the game yesterday was all important, it changes the whole mood of the place.

"If we'd have got beaten yesterday I'd have been walking in here to a very low training ground but we're walking in having got a terrific result and that lifts the spirits of everybody."

Redknapp's next task is to prepare the team to face rivals Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

He said: "It is a tough week. We have got a big game at Arsenal on Wednesday and then Liverpool."

Redknapp was brought in after Juande Ramos was sacked on Saturday along with sporting director Damien Comolli.

Comolli, who oversaw transfer policy, attracted widespread criticism for his role in the club's poor start to the season and his position has now been scrapped.

Yet former Spurs director of football David Pleat believes Redknapp will need some help on the administrative side.

He feels directors of football can play an important part, providing they complement the manager.

He expects Redknapp to bring someone in - but choose a different title.

Pleat told BBC Radio Five Live: "The name of director of football does not seem to sound well in this country.

"The perception is he is an interferer who doesn't do his job and makes it difficult for the manager.

"That is not so, you have only go to look back to Brian Clough and Peter Taylor. Brian Clough was the front man, the manager, who got all the credit and Peter was in the background. It depends on lines of communication, respect."

Redknapp had two spells in charge of Portsmouth, either side of a stint with their rivals Southampton.

He has also managed West Ham in the top flight but Pleat believes Spurs will be his biggest challenge.

He added: "Tottenham has a great tradition and history that completely eclipses the values and demands of Southampton or Portsmouth, with the greatest respect.

"Harry will be in a greater goldfish bowl there and he will find it a very big job.

"He can't just deal with the first team - this club has a very wider aspect, there are all sorts of commercial areas, there is a high turnover, there is an academy to look after.

"The attention on a Tottenham manager is great and he will need help. It is important he accumulates a good staff around him - what he calls them is the trick.

"Don't call anyone director of football - the press, the media, the supporters do not understand it and will not accept it."