Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer insists Harry Redknapp bears no bitterness towards Tottenham and his successor Andre Villas-Boas. AVB is struggling to win over Spurs fans after a poor start to the season.

Shearer wrote in The Sun : "There seemed to be a negativity which Spurs fans never experienced under Harry Redknapp. I was sat with Harry in the Match of the Day studio on Saturday.

"He bears no grudges and reveals no bitterness.

"Harry is enjoying his time off and playing golf.

"Whether he will feel quite as relaxed in a few months when the weather stops the golf and the football continues is another thing. With each poor performance, Spurs fans may appreciate him more and more.

"He was allowed to leave without any howl of protest. The problem with raising expectations is that people forget where their team has come from. Redknapp arrived with the club in relegation trouble and left with them in fourth.

"He gave them journeys into the Champions League and even a brief title tilt.

"What he also gave them was a brand of football Spurs fans love. Yet because the season tailed off this was forgotten. He was accused of courting for the England job and taking his eye off the ball.

"All that happened was that the top contender hit the back pages.

"What could he do?"