Spurs boss Redknapp: Portsmouth owner preferred Nugent to Anelka

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has defended the signing of David Nugent when in charge of Portsmouth.

Redknapp faces Nugent's Burnley today and said: "Of course I did my homework before I signed him. To be honest with you, if I'm truthful, I was trying to sign Nicolas Anelka from Bolton at the time. And the owner of the club didn't want Anelka and for some reason he fancied, he heard of Nugent.

"And I had good reports from some people I worked with who fancied Nugent and I went with it. I'm not saying anything now because we all make mistakes. But I'm quite happy to say to everybody I wasn't convinced when I took him that I was making the right move."

Redknapp hinted at Nugent having problems focusing on football while at Fratton Park.

"He needs to dedicate himself to his football," Redknapp said. "He hasn't proved me wrong no matter what he does, he won't prove me wrong, he won't change my opinion."

 
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