Spurs boss Harry Redknapp praises Martin O'Neill for show of unity

Mar 16 2009 by Mathew Kendrick, Birmingham Mail

HARRY Redknapp thanked Martin O’Neill for his managerial show of solidarity after the Villa boss chaperoned his Tottenham counterpart down the touchline yesterday.

Redknapp has become public enemy No.1 at Villa and the abuse aimed at him by the home fans culminated in the coin-throwing shame during his previous visit with Portsmouth.

Asked if O’Neill’s gesture to escort him to the dugout was a show of unity, Redknapp replied: “Yes. Martin said: ‘Hang about a bit, I’d like to walk out with you’. I said: ‘Yes, fine, great’.

“I don’t know what I’m supposed to have done here.

“What did I do other than come here with Portsmouth and play fantastic?

“That’s all I did wrong. I didn’t abuse anyone or shout at anybody or stick my fingers up.

“I came here with a Portsmouth team who were absolutely unbelievable that day.”

Redknapp also attempted to make his peace with Villa by praising the club’s heritage.