Peter Crouch believes Harry Redknapp deserves a good reception from Portsmouth fans on his return to the club.
Striker urges fans to give ex-boss a good reception
Peter Crouch believes Harry Redknapp deserves a good reception from Portsmouth fans as he prepares for his return to Fratton Park.
Redknapp makes his first return to Portsmouth on Saturday since his switch to Tottenham nearly a year ago.
There have been fears over the reception Redknapp might receive from the Pompey fans with the Spurs boss ruling out the prospect of bringing his own security staff to protect him.
Crouch, who is also making his first return to Portsmouth since his summer switch to White Hart Lane, is expecting a hostile atmosphere, but he feels Redknapp deserves respect from Pompey fans for the job he did at the club.
"It will be a tasty game and a hot atmosphere," Crouch said. "There are quite a few of us going back - it's like Portsmouth old boys
"Harry did fantastically well for Portsmouth, he was probably the best manager in their history. He won the FA Cup and took the club into Europe.
"It's understandable the fans are angry he left them and joined another club, but that's football."
Crouch is hoping to get a regular run in the Spurs side after scoring twice in midweek for England.
Robbie Keane and Jermain Defoe have been Redknapp's first-choice pairing so far this season, but Crouch is prepared to be patient as he believes he will get his fair share of opportunities this season.
"Maybe I'm not starting every game at Tottenham, but I'm at a top, top club and with the squad we've got we can really compete and do well," added Crouch.
"The manager [Redknapp] has brought me in and he's going to play me. I know I will get a good share of games and I think we'll be doing well in the league."
