Harry - Al wanted Bassong

14 August 2009 16:58
Harry Redknapp has revealed Sebastien Bassong would have stayed at Newcastle if Alan Shearer had been appointed as permanent boss. The centre-back switched to White Hart Lane for £8million this summer following the Magpies' relegation to the Championship. Spurs manager Redknapp says the player was recommended to him by then Newcastle caretaker boss Shearer and assistant Iain Dowie in April after the Magpies were defeated at White Hart Lane. Redknapp added that Shearer insisted at the time that he would have kept the centre-back at any cost if he stayed in the job. "When we played Newcastle last year I spoke to Iain Dowie and Alan Shearer after the game and they spoke about the team, they were in desperate trouble," Redknapp revealed. "Iain said if they didn't stay at the club and one player did become available, Sebastien was the player to take. They couldn't have recommended him any higher. "Alan as well. He said 'if I stay at the club there is no way he'll ever leave'. Alan didn't get the job and he (Bassong) was the first person we went for. He's a young player with a fantastic future." Spurs start the new Premier League season at home to Liverpool on Sunday, live on Sky Sports 1, and Redknapp is expecting a tough test. "Liverpool are a terrific side," he said. "Last year they were outstanding. Only losing two games but not winning the league was an amazing statistic. "They'll be there this year pushing for the championship, along with Manchester United and Chelsea and Arsenal. Man City as well. We want to be up there pushing as well. "It's a big test on the first day of the season to see what we are made of. We beat them at home last year even though they dominated. We're looking forward to it." But the Spurs boss admits it has been difficult to prepare for the match, given there has been a hectic pre-season schedule, while many of his players were away on international duty this week. "It's been a hard preparation," said Redknapp. "We went to China and Hong Kong to play and had a couple of games at Wembley. "There were lots of games and lots of travelling and midweek has been difficult because so many were away. We've only had six or seven training all week. It's been a difficult week to prepare."

Source: SKY_Sports