Harry Redknapp missed his pre-match media call ahead of Saturday's clash with Aston Villa - to suggest he is still hurting after his arrest.

One of five men arrested - the others were Portsmouth chief executive Peter Storrie, former Portsmouth chairman Milan Mandaric, former Portsmouth player Amdy Faye and agent Willie McKay - Redknapp attended Chichester police station the same day to answer questions on the subject of a 2003 transfer deal for Faye but was released on bail without charge.

"Another meeting" was put forward as the reason for him missing the latest pre-match press conference at lunchtime Thursday. Redknapp has not missed one since last August (transfer deadline day).

A Fratton Park source said: "Harry has certainly had enough of all this for a while. He's been through a hell of a time and we are all suffering and sympathising with him."

And he left the preview of Saturday's Aston Villa match to first-team coach Joe Jordan.