Redknapp given Freedom of Pompey

Harry Redknapp will be formerly conferred in the autumn

Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp and his FA Cup winning squad have been given the Freedom of the City.

The decision to honour the team was backed by councillors at a meeting on 22 July.

But in a formality, the decision had to be rubberstamped at a special meeting in Portsmouth on Thursday.

The former West Ham, Southampton and Bournemouth manager and his squad are expected to be formally conferred at a special ceremony in the autumn.

The 19th Century title is the greatest honour the city can bestow.

Mike Hancock, MP for Portsmouth South, said: "I am very pleased that we will be able to honour Harry and the whole team in this way.

"It is only right. It was a tremendous achievement for them to win the cup.

"Harry has been an outstanding manager for Pompey. And it takes the whole squad and club to sustain a cup run."