Redknapp pledges to help Cherries

Redknapp, who spent nine years as Cherries boss, said: "I know some people there with money who I'm sure would be interested in taking it on.

"It's a great little club, which means a lot to me.

"I have always said I would do what I could for Bournemouth and there's no way I'll see them go out of business."

Redknapp made over 100 appearances for Bournemouth as a player in the early 1970s under the management of John Bond - father of current Cherries boss Kevin Bond.

"If a consortium was put together and wanted me to be an investor, I would do it"
Harry Redknapp

Bond junior played under Redknapp at Dean Court, and subsequently served on his coaching staff at both Portsmouth and Southampton.

Redknapp, who still lives near Bournemouth in the affluent area of Sandbanks, has previously hinted that he would be interested in buying his old club "one day".

However, he conceded that there could be a problem with regulations over a contract of interest if he invested in the club while still manager of Pompey.

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"If a consortium was put together and wanted me to be an investor, I would do it, yes," he said.

"I don't know how that would sit with League rules. I could put my son in, couldn't I?

"Hopefully, somebody else will do it, but if a consortium came to me and I knew they were good fellows who had the club at heart, I would get involved.

"I've also spoken to the chairman (Jeff Mostyn) and it seems that raising about £1m initially will keep them going.

"Bournemouth certainly need a league team. They have still been getting 5,000-6,000 gates even when they've been in trouble."

Redknapp's friend and fellow Sandbanks resident Eddie Mitchell, owner of Blue Square South side Dorchester Town, has already declared that he is interested in buying the club.

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