Campbell is a hate figure among Spurs fans after leaving for Arsenal in 2001, with 11 people charged for indecent chanting at the former England centre-back at a match last season.

After playing under Redknapp at Portsmouth, Campbell has agreed to join League Two side Notts County, who have Sven-Goran Eriksson behind the scenes at Meadow Lane.

"If I was at any other Premier League club and wasn't at Tottenham I would have taken Sol Campbell no problem at all," Redknapp said. "I think he is still a fantastic player.

"In my opinion he's still in the top six central defenders in the Premier League so for Notts County to get him in that division is incredible."

Campbell played in the Champions League final in 2006 just before Redknapp brought him to Fratton Park, where he stayed until his contract expired.

Redknapp had problems at centre-back at the start of the season and turned to Sebastien Bassong at Newcastle rather than risking a potentially explosive return for Campbell.

"I couldn't have myself, it would have been impossible - but anywhere but Tottenham I would have," the Spurs boss added.