Teddy: Play for Arsenal? That WAS funny

14 April 2012

When Tottenham decided Teddy Sheringham had no future with them, Arsenal fans were quick to provide another new version of the "Oh Teddy, Teddy" song.

They had taunted him in his first year at Manchester United for going to Old Trafford and winning nothing. Now there was sheer delight at the demise of his Spurs - "went to Tottenham Hotspur and now he's on the dole", they sang with relish.

He was never going to be, of course, and Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp, who knows a bargain when he sees one, persuaded Sheringham his experience would be vital to his newly-promoted side.

Sheringham has not disappointed, scoring four goals in as many games. Two wins and two draws have put Portsmouth in the top half of the table, but Sheringham knows Arsenal will provide the real test of living with the best.

He said: "Arsenal are a fantastic team. Actually, I have to laugh at the songs their fans sing about me. They are quite clever. When I heard the first one, about winning nothing, I wondered what was going on. I thought: 'Hang on, this is a Spurs song'. Then I heard the ending. I had to smile.

"But something else that makes me smile is when Arsenal fans say I should have played for them instead of Spurs. Along with Manchester United, they are head and shoulders above the rest. We have had a good start but this is the big test."

His association with Spurs will guarantee the usual torrent of insults at Highbury tomorrow, but he insists his time at White Hart Lane is all in the past. "It was no surprise when I wasn't offered a new contract at Spurs," he said. "I could see what was going to happen because it was all taking so long. But I felt I could still play at the highest level.

"I am 37 but just over a year ago I was at the World Cup finals, so I must still be in reasonable shape."

Redknapp thought so, and Sheringham needed little convincing about joining him. He added: "After Spurs let me go, there were a few days when I was worried about the future but Harry felt I could still play in the Premiership and I am delighted at the way it is working out.

"Harry has made some shrewd signings, such as Patrik Berger and Alexei Smertin, who looks a tigerish midfield player.

"It has all helped to give us a decent start, which was vital. You put yourself under pressure if you struggle to get points early on. Against Arsenal it is going to be very different to anything we have faced. But we can only give it our best shot."

So what sort of dressing room has Sheringham joined? "The spirit is good but everyone is getting to know each other," he said. "One or two struggle with English but they're learning. Mind you, when Harry's right-hand man Jim Smith gets going it doesn't matter what nationality you are, the message gets across with Jim. They are a great partnership."

Sheringham is the senior citizen at Portsmouth, as the other players make clear. He explained: "We have a player down here, Gary O'Neil. He is from south London and his family are all Millwall fans.

"The other day he brought in a picture of the two of us - taken by his mum when he was four and I was 20 and in the Millwall first team. He barely comes up to my knees, and some 17 years later we are in the same team. It is remarkable and I am sure he can't believe it." This week has been a relaxing one for Sheringhamfollowing the end of his England career, but he said: "I would be proud if asked to play for my country again.

"Having this break has been great. I have been able to play golf and spend time with my son Charlie, who is 15. He loves golf as well, so we have had some good time together and that means a lot to me."

And how about the South Coast? "This is a great football town," said Sheringham, who was named Barclaycard Premiership player of the month for August. "Harry said they were crazy about their club and he was right. Walk around the town, he said, and you'll see only Portsmouth shirts - no Man Utd, Arsenal or Chelsea. They love the club."

So what of the future? Sheringham said: "I really can't say but I am loving football as much as ever. I have signed for a year and we will see what happens."

Arsenal v Portsmouth, Highbury, tomorrow, 3pm

MORE ABOUT

Manchester

Manchester United

Premier League

Tottenham Hotspur

Teddy: Play for Arsenal? That WAS funny

Read More