Redknapp lauds front pair after Newcastle win (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

Redknapp lauds front pair after Newcastle win

8:52pm Saturday 11th February 2012 in Spurs By Chris Hewett

Harry Redknapp described the attacking pairing of Emmanuel Adebayor and Louis Saha as “unplayable” after watching his team hammer Newcastle 5-0.

The 64-year-old manager thanked the Tottenham fans for their support and praised his side for their performance at the end of a week in which he was cleared of tax evasion charges and billed as the frontrunner for the England job.

He said: “We just got on with the football. That’s what we are here to do. We started well. Adebayor and Saha were unplayable in that early period and there was no playing us after that early start.

“There was some great finishing. I took the chance of playing Saha today. We took him on a short term contract. Some people questioned it but I’ve always thought he is a top player and if you can keep him fit, you have a real player on your hands.”

With fourth-placed Chelsea losing earlier in the day it was a victory that saw the home side tighten their grip on third place and automatic qualification for next year’s Champions League.

“I just keep looking at the gap between us and fourth. We really want Champions League football again,” said Redknapp. “If we can close on the front two, that will be fantastic but I really want us to get a Champions League place. The crowd have been brilliant with me, they’ve been great. I appreciate their support.”