Beckham's brought a buzz - Redknapp

14 January 2011 14:30
Harry Redknapp has denied the media circus surrounding David Beckham's presence at Tottenham has affected his team's preparations for their crunch match against Manchester United. Redknapp's claim that Spurs are serious title contenders will be put to the test on Sunday when they take on the Red Devils, who top the table and have an eight-point lead over the north London side with a match in hand. The build-up to this weekend's game at White Hart Lane has been overshadowed by former United star Beckham, who started a four-week training spell with the club on Monday. Ever since Beckham's arrival there has been a throng of camera crews and photographers stationed outside the club's training ground in Chigwell, Essex, hoping to catch a glimpse of the Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder. But Redknapp rejected the suggestion that Beckham's arrival at the club had done more harm than good and maintains his squad will benefit from Beckham's presence regardless of whether a loan deal can be agreed with his parent club or not. "David has brought a buzz around the place," Redknapp said. "There are lots more press here today than normal. There are people outside the ground every day. Once we come in here we train and get on with it. It doesn't affect us. It has been good having him here. Everyone respects him, likes him. "There's nothing flashy about him, in my opinion. He just comes in and just gets on with it. He's a great role model for any footballer."

Source: PA