Redknapp is 'scared stiff' for promoted Portsmouth

Harry Redknapp, the Portsmouth manager, has admitted that the prospect of playing in the Premiership fills him with fear.

Pompey secured promotion from the First Division on Tuesday after a nervy 1-0 victory over Burnley, thanks to Svetoslav Todorov's goal 17 minutes from full-time. The victory ended a 15-year absence from the top flight but Redknapp said he was trying to savour the moment rather than think about what lies ahead.

"I just want to enjoy what happened on Tuesday night and what has happened this season," said the former West Ham manager, who cited the example of his former club's fight to avoid relegation this season as reason for his worries. "If I think too much about next season I will be scared stiff again.

"Unfortunately West Ham have struggled this year, but that's what scares me," he added. "When you look at the quality of their players it makes you realise what hard work we have got next year." Redknapp has already been linked with a number of players as he begins to plan his squad-building – including the West Ham captain, Joe Cole – but the Pompey manager dismissed suggestions that he would be raiding Upton Park during the summer.

"I couldn't get Joe. We wouldn't be able to afford him," he said. "I wouldn't see myself going back to West Ham for any players. Anyway, I think West Ham will stay up and I am looking forward to playing them next year."

Redknapp has not discussed with his chairman, Milan Mandaric, what funds will be available for next season but he is planning to wheel and deal to bring in some fresh faces.

"I don't know if we will go into the market to spend too much money. There will be plenty of bargains around and there will be a few lads around who would love the chance to play in the Premier League," he added. "There are one or two in the First Division that, given the chance, could do well in the Premier League but the group of lads I have got will be given every chance because they deserve it."

Mandaric yesterday pledged that he wants to remain as chairman and bankroll both the club's transfer activity this summer – and the building of a new stadium. He hinted earlier this year he could quit soon but, after joining in scenes of jubilation at Fratton Park on Tuesday, he gave the strongest indication yet he will stay at the Hampshire club.

Mandaric will make more cash available to recruit players. "My excitement is delivering this kind of reward to people who deserve it – the faithful supporters," he said yesterday.

"It's great to be the chairman of a Premiership club but my goal has been to deliver the dream to the people of Portsmouth. There are improvements to be made. I want to establish Portsmouth as a Premiership club and finish the stadium project.

"But our goal really is to stay in the Premiership and get the 40 points we need to stay up. With the team we have and with the addition of a few players, hopefully we will be able to do that. Now we have to win the championship. That is the next goal and we would like to put our hands on that trophy."

Acclaim for Portsmouth's promotion to the Premiership came from an unlikely source yesterday – the chairman of Southampton, their main rivals on the south coast.

"Portsmouth getting promoted is good news and shows football on the south coast is alive and well," the Saints' chairman, Rupert Lowe, said. "I'm delighted for Portsmouth. I'm pleased they've done well and we look forward to meeting them twice next season."

The last league meeting between the clubs was in January 1988, when Southampton lost 2-0 to Portsmouth at The Dell in the old First Division.