( dpa ) - Harry Redknapp says he has turned down an offer to become the new manager of Newcastle United.
The Portsmouth manager says he decided to stay at Fratton Park instead of succeeding Sam Allardyce at St James's Park.
Redknapp was thought to have been Newcastle's first choice, but decided to stay on the south coast.
"It was a terrific opportunity but I had no intentions of wanting to leave," Redknapp said.
"I have a job to do to take this club forward, and to walk away would not have been the right thing to do.
"I'm happy here, people treat me well and I felt a loyalty to the club and the fans."
Newcastle said Redknapp was just one of several possible names to take over from Allardyce.