Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 28 October 2008 )

English Premiership Football News

Redknapp booed by Portsmouth fans
Former Portsmouth Football Club manager Harry Redknapp Boos face as he was made Freeman of the city just days after the club Hampshire to quit.

Redknapp left Fratton Park to take over Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.

But 61 years was still due to receive the honor on Tuesday after guiding Portsmouth to FA Cup success last season, their first in 69 years.

Redknapp facing Boos and shouts of "Judas" as he arrived at the ceremony.

Hundreds of people gathered at Portsmouth Guildhall for the event, which also recognized the players Pompey Cup final.

As I walked to the stage of the Guildhall, there was strong public Boos and shouts of "Judas", while his replacement, Tony Adams, much appreciated cheers and chants of "Tony".

During the ceremony, a procession bearing the FA Cup Guard escorted by a Royal Navy was accompanied by the music of the Royal Guard Navy and Royal Marines Band Portsmouth.

Redknapp shook his head as a member of the public shouted: "Get off the stage."
In May Redknapp Pompey led to their first Cup triumph in more than 60 years with a 1-0 win over Cardiff.

But Redknapp joined Tottenham after the north London bag Spanish manager Juande Ramos following the club worst-ever start to a season.

On Tuesday, former Arsenal and England defend Tony Adams was promoted from assistant to Redknapp to become the club's new manager.

The head of the Council, Gerald Vernon-Jackson, spoke of the city in recognition of Redknapp.

"It's a very different from what I had planned," he admitted.

"It is only right and proper to say that this was a speech on the celebration and thanksgiving.
"It is still - to win the FA Cup was a great feat, but it must now be on the sadness and goodbye."

Then Redknapp spoke of his pride in having worked at Portsmouth Football Club.

"My timing has never been very good and this week he never could have been worse," he said.

"It's a great honor to receive this award, but I was only a member of a team.

"The fans are absolutely fantastic, but more importantly, we have assembled an amazing football team.

"I really appreciate everyone turning up today and be so kind."

As he spoke, a Heckler in the public gallery was escorted by police and security personnel.

But the majority of the crowd of stone slab and a woman shouted: "We love you, Harry."

Lord Mayor of Portsmouth Richard Jensen Scrolls proclaiming this freedom of the city to Redknapp and Cup-winning team, headed by Sol Campbell.

In 2003, the club as a whole has been granted freedom of the city after winning promotion to the Premier League.

The honor goes back to when fortress walls were necessary to protect a city.

It has enabled a military unit "Freedom of Entry with swords drawn, bayonets fixed, drums beating, band playing and colors flying."
by bbcnews.