LONDON — Harry Redknapp returns to Portsmouth on Saturday for the first time since his sudden departure to Tottenham Hotspur a year ago. The reception given to their former manager by most of the Fratton Park faithful will be red hot rather than warm, a significant difference.
What is undeniable is that during his two spells in charge at Portsmouth he led the club to success it could not have dreamed of. Redknapp took it from the foot of the Championship and made Portsmouth a respected Premier League club, winning the F.A. Cup and giving the supporters big-name players who previously only played at Fratton Park as opponents.
But for most Blues fans there remains a feeling of betrayal when, on Oct. 25, 2008, Redknapp announced his Pompey resignation — for the second time.