Source: Daily_Mail
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp challenges his charges to lift the Premier League crown
Harry Redknapp will send his players into battle against Manchester City with the message that Tottenham have never had a better chance to win the Barclays Premier League title. [LNB] Spurs beat big-spenders City to fourth place - and Champions League qualification - last season and Redknapp is determined to build on that achievement. [LNB]Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal are the only teams to have won the title since Blackburn lifted the trophy in 1995. [LNB] Tough start: Spurs open their Premier League campaign against Manchester City[LNB] Redknapp needs to strengthen his squad further if Spurs are to break that dominance, and he fears City will block attempts to sign Craig Bellamy. But Redknapp said: 'It is about time somebody else won the championship. It is not impossible and that is what I will tell the players tomorrow. [LNB]'Yes (it is a realistic aim). There is no point me looking anywhere else. The sky is the limit. [LNB]'We finished fourth last year and Tottenham will never get a better chance. If we stand still the others will pass us. [LNB]Pointing the way: Harry Redknapp has high hopes for this season after the success of last term[LNB]'We did great last year finishing fourth. This year will be even tougher.[LNB]'I still feel we need one or two top quality players to tip the balance for us. It will hard to make up the extra three spots because Liverpool will be strong, Everton will be right there and certainly Manchester City.'[LNB]City will end up spending over £100million on strengthening their squad if they complete the signing of England international James Milner from Aston Villa. [LNB]In contrast, Spurs are yet to add to the purchase of Brazilian midfielder Sandro, which was agreed last summer. They missed out on Joe Cole, who opted for a move to Liverpool, but Redknapp has a hit-list of four key players he believes would make the difference. [LNB]Redknapp confirmed he would be interested in signing Bellamy - but he does not expect Roberto Mancini to allow the Wales captain to join an immediate rival like Spurs, especially on loan.[LNB]'I think we tried to get him but they don't want to let him go, and if they don't want to let him go to Tottenham or anywhere else, that is up to them,' said Redknapp. 'If he is out of their 25-man squad, it means he can't play until Christmas. It looks almost certain he will go. He has got to play football. That is ridiculous really. [LNB] Previous: Peter Crouch helped clinch Spurs' qualification for the Champions League by scoring in a win at Eastlands over rivals City last season[LNB]'If he is not in their squad they are not going to want him around. Be honest, you wouldn't want Craig Bellamy sitting around, coming into the dressing room every day when he is not happy. [LNB]'He is anoutstanding player and if he is available he would certainly be of interest to us.' [LNB] Redknapp poured cold water on talk of England striker Peter Crouch leaving the club. 'Not a chance. He is not for sale. He is not going anywhere,' said Redknapp. 'I am a big fan of Peter's. I brought him to the club and I have no interest in letting him go.' [LNB] Fulham boss Hughes faces fight as he eyes reunion with City outcast BellamyClick here for all the weekend Barclays Premier League team newsCatch of the day: Harry Redknapp throws his weight behind campaign to save Billingsgate Market fish portersSign up to our FREE Fantasy Football game - with £40,000 in prize money up for grabs[LNB]
