SOCCER:HARRY REDKNAPP has told Tottenham Hotspur fans to get behind his decision to sign William Gallas on a free transfer, insisting he has not "signed the Yorkshire Ripper" and that the former Arsenal captain could make the vital difference to winning the Premier League.

Redknapp has previously stated that he wanted two or three more players who could add the edge required to challenge seriously for the Premier League title.

Asked if Gallas, who will sign a one-year deal subject to a medical, could be one of these, he said: “I think for a defender he could be, yeah. He’ll come in and give us a bit of knowhow, a bit of presence.”

Redknapp was bullish regarding any animosity the 33-year-old might encounter due to his links with Arsenal. He said: “It’s all cobblers really, isn’t it? What’s he done? It’s not the Yorkshire Ripper I’m signing, he’s a footballer, he plays football. He’s done nothing wrong. He could say: ‘I played at Arsenal; I daren’t go there’. He’s got the bottle to want to come and play here.”

The manager is certain the French defender will want to show Arsenal and their fans what they are missing. “Oh yeah, he’ll come here with a point to prove,” Redknapp said. “If he wanted an easy life he would’ve gone to Greece or somewhere.”

Redknapp denied Gallas had made exorbitant wage demands, and stated he will sign a one-year deal with the option of a second.

“He gets another year if he starts over 30 games,” confirmed Redknapp. “He’s never asked for big money here. The chairman has agreed a one-year contract with him and the wages are more than reasonable.”