Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp is hopeful of a good reception from West Ham fans tonight.

"I've been back with Portsmouth a couple of times and got a fantastic reception," said Redknapp. "I would hate that to change because the club will always be very close to my heart.

"I went there at 15 years of age and it's a very special football club, it always will be.

"I've got so many friends who are West Ham supporters, I've got loads of memories about going there at 15, growing up there and going back to manage them. It's a great club."

Redknapp is no stranger to fierce rivalry; when he moved from Portsmouth to Southampton he was reported to have hired a bodyguard for his first trip back to Fratton Park.

"Nothing would compare to Portsmouth and Southampton," Redknapp admitted.