Portsmouth 0 Everton 0If his standing among strangers is the measure of a man then Harry Redknapp walks as tall as anyone in the game of football. The Portsmouth manager was arrested last week on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud after the City of London police raided his house. His anger at the development was doubled the next day when photographs of the police incursion appeared in a national newspaper.

But despite this modern equivalent of being put in the pillory, Redknapp enjoys the support of his fellow football people. "Everyone has been looking on in amazement," said Everton's captain, Phil Neville, after this dull draw. "Everyone in the game holds Harry Redknapp in the highest of regard and that's not changed, even with the slurs against him. Ask any player who's played for him: people like Jamo (David James) and Sol Campbell - and he's totally revitalised their career. It shows what a good man he is. He's got a high standing in the game and hopefully a little bit of what happened this week will be forgotten about."

Campbell echoed the comments about his manager. The England defender has been impressed with Redknapp's fortitude in displaying no outward sign of concern to his players. "The gaffer has been fine, bubbly; he wants to get on with it," said Campbell. "The gaffer explained himself and that was enough. We're happy with that; get on with the football. Whatever they're looking for, the gaffer has got nothing to do with it."

Last season Portsmouth's results were poor after Christmas and Campbell believes that was caused by the failure to reinforce the squad in January. With a large contingent due to participate in the African Nations Cup in the new year, the Portsmouth captain insists there must be investment.

One position where Portsmouth are well stocked is at centre half. Campbell and Sylvain Distin were untroubled all afternoon on Saturday, whereas Everton's Joleon Lescott and Joseph Yobo were stretched only once, when Lescott made a perfectly timed tackle on Kanu in the penalty box.

Redknapp agreed that he must return to the transfer market in January. "When the African Nations Cup comes round I lose five players, and I'll have exactly 14 outfield players who can play at the Premier League level - that's all I've got, 14," he said. "If I get an injury . . . "

To avoid any more slurs about his relationship with agents, Redknapp might be advised to buy players who operate like Neville. "First and foremost, I've never had an agent, so I don't even know what goes on," he said. "I've always done the deals with my father and my family and it's been as straightforward as that."