Redknapp was Hammers boss for seven years, bringing the likes of Rio Ferdinand and Joe Cole through the ranks and signing Paolo di Canio - but is unsure how fans will react now he is with bitter rivals Spurs.

"I've been back with Portsmouth a couple of times and got a fantastic reception," said Redknapp. "I would hate that to change because the club will always be very close to my heart.

"I went there at 15 years of age and it's a very special football club, it always will be.

"I've got so many friends who are West Ham supporters, I've got loads of memories about going there at 15, growing up there and going back to manage them. It's a great club."

Redknapp is no stranger to fierce rivalry; when he moved from Portsmouth to Southampton he was reported to have hired a bodyguard for his first trip back to Fratton Park.

"Nothing would compare to Portsmouth and Southampton," Redknapp admitted.

Aside from Redknapp being in the spotlight, the match is important for Spurs to climb towards mid-table after a positive start under their new manager.

"It's a very important game," Redknapp said. "We are where we are in the league and that is our main priority.

"West Ham is always a tough place to go. Monday night at Upton Park under lights means a great atmosphere and great support."

West Ham are also protecting a three-match unbeaten run, with clean sheets in all three games, and Redknapp is pleased to see Gianfranco Zola remaining in football as a manager.

"He was a great player, one of the greatest foreign imports we've had," Redknapp said. "He was a great ambassador for the game with the way he played. He was a great sportsman as well as a great footballer.

"He's been working with the Italy Under-21s so this is a good opportunity for him. I'm sure he'll get them playing the type of football they are used to playing at West Ham.

"The fans have been brought up on attractive, attacking football. That is what they've always demanded there and, with the way he played his football, he'll fit into that perfectly."

Redknapp had a reputation at West Ham for seeking out bargains and is expected to do the same for Spurs when the January transfer window opens rather than spend big money.

He feels he needs a bigger squad to cope with playing in four competitions.

"It's games galore," he said. "We're involved in too many competitions in all honesty. We've got the FA Cup to come too.

"You need a squad and I feel this squad is a little bit short. If we could get one or two loans for people who can play at this level to thicken the squad up then that would be ideal."