Harry Redknapp insists he was always a Tottenham fan as he prepares to take charge today. The former Portsmouth boss told the News of the World: "People think I was a West Ham fan as kid because I love that club but it was Spurs I used to go and watch, they were the team I supported.

"Now I've been given an opportunity that I've waited for all my life.

"Since I started as a manager, I've always craved working for a big club, a club with heritage and style - that's what Spurs have got.

"I want to put them back where they belong, up there with Arsenal.

"I'll be at White Hart Lane today, of course I will. I'll go into the dressing room before the match and say: 'Hey, fellas, let's go out there and win a football match.'

"It's all about confidence. I want to put that back in the players and give them the chance to show what they can do.

"There's fantastic players here and they deserve the opportunity to show what they can do.

"I'll do the job on my terms. If we're going to survive, then I'll do it as the manager.

"I've always wanted to be in charge. If I sign rubbish players then I'll get the stick for it but there will be my players, not some director of football's."