Spurs boss Redknapp backs poacher Defoe for golden boot

07 November 2009 00:36
Jermain Defoe can be the Barclays Premier League's top scorer, says Tottenham manager HarryRedknapp. [LNB]Defoe returns from a suspension to face Sunderland at home on Saturday following his red card against Stoke. [LNB] Action man: Jermain Defoe was in great goalscoring form before his red card[LNB]Redknapp said: 'That's the first time he's been sent off playing for me. He was silly, shouldn't have reacted the way he did, but it's done now. He won't do that again, I'm sure. He knows how important he is. We need him out there playing. People are going to kick him because he's a terrific player. He has to accept that. [LNB]'It's nice to have him available. We are very fortunate, we have good strikers but he was in great goalscoring form before his red card. I felt he's cost us  quite dearly with the suspension. He's back now and he's got to make it up to  us now for being sent off and costing us some vital points.[LNB] 'Every game he has played in he has looked as though he is going to score. So  hopefully in this game he can come out and get back on it.  [LNB] 'There is no reason for me why he can't be leading goalscorer this year.It's going to be tight but he's got as good a chance as anybody. We make lots of chances at this club so if he continues to stick them away... well, he's going  to get lots of opportunities.'  [LNB] When asked if there is a better poacher than Defoe in England, Redknapp replied: 'Of his type no. He's an out-and-out goalscorer. He's a box player. He doesn't get that involved in the build-up play but, when it gets into the box, his finishing - his quickness - puts him right up there with the best.' [LNB] Natural-born finisher: Jermain Defoe is among the best, says Redknapp[LNB] Tottenham announced on Friday that they are going to follow in the footsteps of  Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle by putting the naming rights of their planned  new stadium up for sale. The new ground is scheduled to be opened in five years. [LNB]Redknapp found out the news from Tottenham executive director Paul Barber on  Friday lunchtime and admitted that it reflects the changing nature of football. [LNB] 'The whole thing has changed - not just the stadiums but the owners as well,' said Redknapp. [LNB]'Will there be an English owner in years to come of a football club? Whoever thought you would see the Arsenal stadium called the Emirates? It is a changing game and a changing world out there. Who knows where it is going  to finish up? [LNB] 'Who knows where these owners will eventually be taking us to play around the  world? If they want to take you to China or Russia to play, you will have to play there. You could be out in Saudi Arabia or somewhere and that is how it is going. [LNB]'They own the clubs and will dictate who does what. I think the naming of the stadiums will be way down the list of what they are capable of doing and what  is going to change.[LNB]'You have got American guys at Villa, Manchester United, Liverpool. You have got Saudis,  Russians at Chelsea, and that is how it has gone.   [LNB] 'The naming rights are big revenues and the clubs have got to do it. It is big money and makes a massive difference. You can't say we have to turn down £150m just to keep calling it White Hart Lane.' [LNB] But he sees the positives of a new stadium, adding: 'Suddenly you are getting 56,000 people in at Tottenham and you get more revenue through the gate.' [LNB] Spurs boss backs Sunderland rival Steve Bruce to replace Fabio CapelloSpurs and City didn't think Vermaelen was big enough - but Arsene did...[LNB] [LNB]  Explore more:People:Paul Barber, Jermain Defoe, Harry RedknappPlaces:Newcastle, Chelsea, Russia, China, United Kingdom

Source: Daily_Mail