Spurs favourite rules out return

Former Tottenham midfielder Jamie Redknapp has ruled out a swift return to the game in a coaching capacity with Spurs or Southampton.

The midfielder had to retire due to knee problems and was offered a role on Martin Jol's staff before heading for the South Coast in January.

Redknapp explained to Sky Sports News: "You know it's going to come to an end sooner or later,

"I just think I half expected it in my heart of hearts.

"When I went over to America to see the surgeon, I was expecting he was going to tell me I had to retire because I was playing with quite a lot of discomfort last season.

"But it still hurts. When you love the game so much and have been around it for such a long time, it's going to be difficult not going in on a day-to-day basis next season."

He added: "I've not spoken to Martin Jol since I left Tottenham. It was something as I was leaving to join Southampton as we'd spoken about going down that route with Martin.

"But I'm not really looking at that at the moment. If things change, you never know but I'm going to enjoy myself. I've got a summer ahead of me and have got coaching badges to do and I might be able to do some more media work in the future.

"Since I was eight or nine, I've been going into a football club environment and you get so used to the day-to-day life. It's a great life, I've always enjoyed it and that is what I'll miss the most.

"It'll be a big miss for me next season but life goes on. I'm nearly 32 and could have finished a lot earlier so you have to be positive about everything.

"I don't think Southampton is an option," he admitted. "As much as I really enjoyed it, that's the reason I wanted one more year as I was desperate for Southampton to come back up.

"It's a shame my career finished on that note, with relegation, that's why I wanted one more year, but it wasn't to be."