Source: London_Paper
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp targets a top six Premier League finish
HARRY REDKNAPP is confident his side can mount a serious challenge for a top-six finish this season and believes there is enough quality in the squad to have a memorable season at White Hart Lane.
The Tottenham boss is well aware of the soap opera which surrounded the north London club at the start of last season when Juande Ramos was sacked after his team picked up just two points from the opening eight games.
Redknapp took over and managed to transform the team both on and off the pitch as he steered his side clear of a relegation dogfight and gave them the belief that they should be challenging in the top half of the table.
Tottenham also managed to reach the Carling Cup Final once again, but were beaten on penalties by Manchester United.
More important for Redknapp was the fact he managed to win over the Tottenham fans having managed at rivals West Ham and is now hoping to bring the glory days back to north London.
Redknapp said: "We are ambitious but you have to be realistic as well. No one has a divine right to finish at the top.
"We have got a big chance of certainly being a top six team and that's where I want us. We had a fantastic run last year and there is no reason why we can't do the same."
Redknapp has managed to keep all his best players at Tottenham during the summer and believes the likes of Wilson Palacios, Luka Modric, Aaron Lennon, Jermaine Jenas and Jermain Defoe can only get stronger in the top flight this year.
Redknapp added: "We have some fantastic players - Palacios, Modric, Lennon, Jenas. Tom Huddlestone will hopefully push on and become the player we think he can be.
"Defoe will always score goals. He has had a fantastic pre-season and Benoit Assou-Ekotto is looking a great left back. He has improved out of all recognition. I'm looking forward to the season."
Despite seeing their arch rivals Arsenal sell Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure during the summer, Redknapp still believes Arsene Wenger will help his team challenge for the title this season and make it difficult for his side to break into the top four.
Redknapp added: "Breaking into the top four is very difficult and Arsenal will be strong. They have got a fantastic group of young players ready to come in and Arsene Wenger keeps producing great young players that come through their youth system.
"Every year they are there or thereabouts. They were very close again last season and every year they are near to winning the championship so they will be fighting once again with Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and probably Manchester City.
"Ourselves, Aston Villa, Everton and everybody will improve this year. Sunderland will be strong and Stoke will take another step forward.
"It is going to be another tough league again. If we can do better than we did last year we will be pleased."
Where will Spurs finish this season? We want to hear your predicitions?
