LONDON (AFP) — Harry Redknapp admitted Saturday he had been offered a "terrific opportunity" to take over from Sam Allardyce at Newcastle, but that it would not have been right to walk out on Portsmouth.
The 60-year-old Pompey boss had been expected to take the reins at St James' Park but after holding talks with the Magpies he decided he could not abandon the south coast club or the players he has signed.
"I'm happy - this is a club I feel comfortable at. I have a fantastic relationship with the fans, a fantastic relationship with the owner and with Peter (Storrie, chief executive)," said Redknapp.
"The players I've brought to the club, I've sold Portsmouth to them and to walk away having brought them here, when the club is doing so well, wouldn't be right."
Redknapp concedes the offer from Newcastle was both flattering and tempting amid reports that he was being offered a four-year deal worth 20 million pounds (39 million dollars).
"I had a great offer from them and to be offered the chance at a fantastic club like Newcastle was a terrific opportunity for me but at the end of it I couldn't do it," he said.
"It's not all about money. People don't know me but money is not my God. I'm happy, I enjoy it here and I have a great relationship with the fans.
"It would be difficult to sleep at night. You have to look at yourself and say 'the club's been good to me and I've got to pay them back'.
"I had no intention of leaving here. The job now is to take this club forward. To walk away is not the right thing to do."
His decision leaves Newcastle in turmoil as they look to reassess their coaching options.
The club, who haven't won a major trophy for nearly 40 years, have got through six managers since Kevin Keegan, who twice guided them to runners-up spot in the Premier League, left 11 years ago.
Storrie admitted it had taken a series of showdown talks with Redknapp to persuade him to stay.
"We're absolutely delighted. Harry staying has taken a huge wrench away from my stomach. We've been in lengthy discussions with Harry, who has now been linked with three top jobs - Tottenham, England and Newcastle," he told Portsmouth's website.
"It speaks volumes about his desire to see Pompey succeed that he wants to stay here. Harry feels that he still has a job to do here. We have moved forward tremendously but he feels there is still more that can be done."
Copyright © 2009 AFP. All rights reserved. More »
