Harry Redknapp strolled into Nyewood Lane, got a bit hot and bothered, then relished the prospect of some south coast rivalry with the Seagulls.

The Portsmouth boss turned up late for his side's 1-0 friendly win in front of a bumper crowd at Bognor on Saturday.

He became increasingly animated, even agitated, as his fringe first teamers toiled for 88 minutes to break down an impressive Rocks outfit.

Then it was back to 'Appy 'Arry mode as he signed autographs, swapped a few words with Bognor boss Jack Pearce and set his sights on the Division One season.

Former first team skipper Scott Hiley, powerful defender Linvoy Primus, full back Jamie Vincent and Japanese goalkeeper Yoshi Kawaguchi were among those in action in south west Sussex.

Three-times capped Drees Bouchaart, who made his Holland debut alongside Ruud Van Nistelrooy, and ex-Monaco man Uliano Courville had 45 minutes apiece in midfield.

Do not expect too many of them to be in action next month when the Seagulls make their first trip to Fratton Park for 11 years.

Travelling fans might, however, see David Ginola whom, Redknapp revealed, will renew talks with Portsmouth in the coming days.

Saturday's team was largely the one Redknapp inherited and their failings got him hot under the collar at times.

He said: "It was pretty average. Just what I expected. That's why I need to bring some new players in.

"The effort was there but there was a little lack of quality. I knew that. I said when I took over last year we needed eight or nine players.

"I still need another good frontman and someone who can do what Robert Prosinecki did for us."

Redknapp praised Bognor efforts and set his sights on the scramble to get out of, or survive in, Division One.

He said: "The three teams that came down will be the strongest teams.

"Ipswich, Leicester and Derby will be strong, Wolves will be there or thereabouts and Palace will be a decent side. If we can get a couple in we will be decent as well.

"Brighton have done well. I'm pleased to see them come through the divisions in the last two years.

"This is a step up for them but Rotherham did it last year.

"Ronnie Moore brought them through from the third to the second to the first and they did well so I'm sure Brighton will be okay."

Even after the summer of uncertainty regarding the manager's job?

"There will be no shortage of takers for a job like that.

"They have got a couple of good lads there at the moment in Bob Booker and Martin Hinshelwood so maybe they will get it."

Pompey clearly do not lack managerial or coaching staff. Jim Smith was not there on Saturday but Kevin Bond took charge with Redknapp, Alan Knight and Andy Awford in close attendance.

Knight topped 800 games in goal for Portsmouth and enjoyed arguably his finest home performance in that last Fratton meeting with Albion.

He joked: "It was a 0-0 draw and I actually had a good game for once.

"I remember losing in the cup at the old Goldstone as well.

"I'm not particularly surprised to see them come up so quickly. I know one or two of the lads and it's going to be very interesting for them as they get used to the First Division."

A culture shock maybe but not half that facing Vincent Pericard as he went from the Delle Alpi to Nyewood.

The young French striker, starting a year's loan to Pompey from Juventus, was three times denied by Craig Stoner, a former student of Knight's at Fratton.

Pericard's CV however now includes not only a Champions League outing against Arsenal but also the first goal of the Sussex pre-season thanks to a crashing close range finish from Rowan Vine's pull back.

Pre-season? Make that profit season as far as clubs like Bognor are concerned.

Pearce was pleased to see packed terraces and encouraged by a team display in which new frontman Matt Edwards and former Albion youngster Rupert Sansom showed up well.

He was saddened however to see defender David Wright stretchered off after damaging knee ligaments.