Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp believes his style of man-management has helped a number of veteran stars flourish at Fratton Park.

Former England internationals Sol Campbell and David James, Kanu and Linvoy Primus are among the players whom many believed were past it but who have revitalised their careers under Redknapp.

The ex-West Ham and Saints boss believes taking time out to make his players feel special reaps many benefits.

''I just try to make people in my team feel important. I keep telling them how good they are and, to be fair, they have responded to that,'' he said.

''Everybody needs a pat on the back now and again.

"Even Bobby Moore used to say that when I played in the West Ham team with him under Ron Greenwood.

''Dear old Ron was a fantastic coach - probably the best I have ever known - but he was never very strong on giving you praise.

''I wonder just how good he would have been if he did.'' Arsenal allowed both Campbell and Kanu to leave Highbury on free transfers with boss Arsene Wenger believing both were past their prime - although the Frenchman was surprised the former Tottenham defender did not follow through his stated intention to play abroad.

''I didn't break my word to Arsene but nothing very concrete came in from Europe and I liked what Harry was saying about Portsmouth and what could be achieved there,'' explained Campbell.

''He's not the same kind of manager as Arsene but he is really effective. He just has that kind of touch to do well but he always makes it clear he wants hard work out of players.

''He's been back at the club for a year now and he has done a fantastic job for this football club.

''He has been like a Messiah reviving something that looked dead and buried after he left and has created a great bunch of lads with some new signings.'' Kanu, 30, who had two miserable seasons at West Brom before Redknapp signed him in the summer on a free transfer, said: ''I like Harry as a manger because he gives me the freedom to play my game.

''He wants me to get goals but he leaves it to me to find the best ways to do it.

''I am very happy in this team and enjoying my football again as much as I did at Arsenal.

''If it had been down to me I would probably still be there but they only wanted me for the substitutes' bench in the end and I was not having that.'' Kanu's nine goals this season - more than he bagged in two seasons at West Brom - have made him the Premiership's leading scorer.

''We were fighting relegation there (West Brom) most of the time and had a lot of defending to do but here at Portsmouth they love to create and attack and that is my game too,'' he added.

Redknapp, who in the past has managed players like the Paolo Di Canio, admitted there was very little advice he could offer his experienced players and so tried to concentrate on ensuring they were happy in their surroundings.

''How can I go out and try to teach people like Kanu or Sol how to play?'' he said.

''They have learned all they need to know about that over the years, they don't need coaching. But I love talented players and love to see them perform.'' ''Linvoy would not claim to be a star player but there is marvellous determination in him that makes him such a solid fella.

''All I do is keep encouraging him and he has kept on responding. To me it is pointless to keep pointing out to a player what they can't do. Just concentrate on their strengths and work from there.

''But there is never any substitute for skill and it is a skilful players I like most of all.

''If you have that and a great attitude in the dressing room you have solved half your problems as a manager.''