THE sign hanging off a bridge on the M27 between Southampton and Portsmouth ensured no one, least of Harry Redknapp, travelling across the divide yesterday could have any doubt about the likely reception.

"Welcome to hell," it read.

Much had been made about past history off the field in the build-up to this Southampton/Portsmouth derby, but events on it were to prove where Redknapp's real problems lie.

After capitulations already this season against Watford and Tottenham, as well as the loss of leads against Chelsea, Arsenal, West Brom, Norwich, Middlesbrough, Fulham, Everton and Aston Villa, few can dispute that Saints are defensively suspect.

The loss through injury of Michael Svensson cannot be overstated and the performances of Claus Lundekvam and Andreas Jakobsson yesterday were very poor.

One centre-back who prefers to stand-off and sweep up the danger is fine. But two is a liability and it has long been a weakness this season.

Redknapp's options are admittedly limited, but Jason Dodd is now back from a spell at Plymouth. He doesn't naturally play at centre-back and there are question-marks about his pace, but he will be prepared to make big tackles. Most importantly, he will shout a lot and offer plenty of presence. These are desperate times and he must be worthy of serious consideration.

Captain Lundekvam is having a tough time. It happens to any player and it is his misfortune that neither Steve Wigley nor Redknapp have felt enough confidence in his replacements to give him a break from the pressure of first-team action.

The nervousness at the back cost the team yesterday and set the tone for defeat.

Yet what was almost more disappointing was a second-half display lacking in spirit.

Pompey were understandably happy at 4-1 ahead and were content to allow the clock to run down. But Saints? Why was there so little urgency as the game limped to an anti-climatic conclusion?

The Fratton Park faithful could relax totally and spent about an hour taunting the returning Redknapp.

"It's not been a good day, but I don't worry about the reception," said the Saints boss.

"I know what I did, no one can take that away from me. They can say what they want and do what they want.

"It's someone else's team now. They have got a new manager, he is doing a good job and I wish him every success.

"I can understand the fans being disappointed and upset. I went to Southampton, there's no love lost between the sides and I accept that.

"There's no bad feeling on my side. Life goes on, I don't hold grudges. I had a great two-and-a-half years, I signed every one of the players who played and I understand the fans having the needle with me.

"I just felt I had to leave. It ruined my relationship with the fans and I was always going to get slaughtered. But there's two sides to every story."

Redknapp attempted to bring some reason to the often irrational world of football.

"I don't see it the way they (the Portsmouth fans) see it," he said. "I'm not from Portsmouth, I'm from West Ham. I used to find all the hatred very strange."

Yesterday, though, given events on the field, it was more a case of mockery than real venom directed at Redknapp.

And that said more than anything about the performance of the Saints players.