Jamie Redknapp admits he thought Tottenham would endure a difficult year at the beginning of the season, but suggests the arrival of Scott Parker and Daniel Levy's staunch refusal to sell Luka Modric, have played a fundamental role in the club's remarkable revival.

Tottenham were a club in apparent turmoil at the beginning of the season, when their star player Luka Modric was endeavouring to leave White Hart Lane amid formal interest from Chelsea. Spurs comfortably lost their opening two fixtures against the two Manchester clubs and many began to question their ability and ambition to return to England's top four.

The north London club's about-turn began when chairman Daniel Levy defiantly refused to sell the Croatian, despite the softening stance of Harry Redknapp, and in addition to retaining one of the Premier League's finest players, Tottenham brought in another in the shape of the industrious Scott Parker.

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The aforementioned Sky Sports pundit believes the retention of Modric and the arrival of Parker has played a massive role in propelling Tottenham into the higher echelons of English football.

"I just thought it would be a difficult season." Redknapp told the Daily Mail when discussing his initial thoughts on Tottenham.  

"Don't forget the Luka Modric mess in the summer, when he wanted to go. Tottenham chairman, Daniel Levy, did a fantastic job by keeping him.

"Had Modric gone, it could have been like a domino effect. Modric away to Chelsea, then Gareth Bale might have wanted away, too."

Redknapp admits warning his dad, Tottenham manager Harry, that he could potentially be facing a difficult spell at White Hart Lane at the beginning of the season.

"I said to Dad: 'I fear this is going to be a real hard test.'" The former Tottenham midfielder said.

The Sky Sports pundit believes Parker's influence on the club as a whole, not just in terms of his obvious footballing abilities, have been instrumental in Tottenham's superb form this year.

The former England international claims the tough-tackling Tottenham star "manages in the dressing room", suggesting the 31-year-old is on the on-pitch embodiment of Harry Redknapp in terms of his leadership.

"Instead, Modric stayed, then Dad bought Scott Parker and he has been a revelation." The former Tottenham midfielder continued.

"Not just on the pitch, but off the pitch. He manages in the dressing room, sets the example and leads on the training pitch. And you can tell Modric likes playing with him, they trust each other."

Tottenham are currently seven points behind Manchester City and Manchester United but have a game in hand and many seasoned observers feel Spurs have the capacity to go the distance in the Premier League title race. 

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