Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp turned down Newcastle United because he didn't want to leave the south coast, it has been revealed.

A Newcastle source told the Mail on Sunday: "Harry raised the subject of being able to fly to the North-East.

"We have always believed that the manager would be somebody based full-time in Newcastle.

"That was a major stumbling block and it was clear if we talked about the issue there was no point in going any further.

"Managing Newcastle is a massive job and a huge responsibility. It requires total commitment."