Redknapp: I had to sell Mendes to balance Pompey's books

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Mendes was inked into Redknapp's midfield for their Barclays Premier League opener at Chelsea tomorrow when Pompey accepted a £3million offer for the Portuguese international.

"He played at Wembley last week and would definitely have been in my team at Chelsea," said Redknapp.

Midfielder Pedro Mendes has joined Scottish giants Rangers

"It was a necessity. It wasn't too good an offer, Pedro is probably worth more than that.

"I'm sorry to lose him because I loved him as a fella and as a player.

"But I had to get some money in. You've got to balance the books.

"That's the rules of the game. I had good offers for other players but they didn't want to move."

Redknapp's comments highlights the financial constraints at Fratton Park.

Far from building on the FA Cup win with heavy investment, owner Alexandre Gaydamak will rely on his manager's wheeling and dealing expertise.

Peter Crouch and Younes Kaboul have been signed this summer but their fees have almost been offset by the sales of Mendes and Sulley Muntari, while Jerome Thomas has arrived on loan from Charlton.

Harry Redknapp says he had to sell Pendro Mendes to balance the Fratton Park books

"I need three more loans in but we can't spend more money," said Redknapp.

"It's called managing. I've got to manage this club, find a few loans, I enjoy that.

"Go and find another Kanu, someone they all think is finished.

"Anyone can buy him for £20m or him for £30m. My missus could do that. Go and buy Kaka.

"We can all buy the best players in the world with an open cheque book can't we?"

This is the style at Stamford Bridge where Chelsea have signed Deco and Jose Bosingwa, while pursuing Robinho and tying Frank Lampard, Redknapp's nephew, to a new five-year deal.

"It must have been in Frank's mind to give it a try abroad but his heart's always been at Chelsea," said Redknapp.

"He loves it there. Chelsea is his club. His heart's at Chelsea and I think he just wanted to get the deal he wanted.

"He's so focused and professional and unfortunately he always scores against us."