Appalled Harry Redknapp threatens to axe the Pompey 'drunks' - Sport - Evening Standard
       

Appalled Harry Redknapp threatens to axe the Pompey 'drunks'

Harry Redknapp has threatened to sack four of Portsmouth's young English players for allegedly drinking themselves to a standstill in the celebrations that followed the club's FA Cup win over Cardiff.

None of the unnamed quartet had been involved in the match but Redknapp says he was so appalled by their behaviour that he wants to ensure they are out of the club before the start of the new season.

Appalled: Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp

Appalled: Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp

"These four lads didn't play in the final," said Redknapp, "but they couldn't even put their beer down on the bus.

"We got back for the reception and the four of them just stood there until they were invited to go home.

"They're players at my club but they might not be for much longer."

Redknapp has criticised the lack of commitment from young players he has had to deal with at Portsmouth, and last night he contrasted the attitude of the quartet of English offenders with the more professional approach of his foreign players.

"It's a culture thing," he said. "You get these 16- year-olds who think they have cracked it and aren't prepared to work and improve and put the hours in. You don't get that with the foreign lads.

"I have gone up to youngsters in the morning after a big European match and asked a kid if he had watched it. Nine times out of 10 he will say 'No'. I'll ask him why? I'll say to him: 'You should have been watching Ronaldo or some other of the great players'. He won't have an answer.

"They want the money, they want the fame and I suppose they think it is simply going to happen for them. But it won't. What chance has a kid who is as disinterested as that got? None."

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