Harry Redknapp has joked that his failure to perfect the Geordie accent was the main reason behind his decision to turn down the Newcastle job in 2008.
The 71-year-old managerial legend is currently taking part in ITV game show I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! in the Australian jungle.
Redknapp was offered the manager's position at St James' Park 10 years ago but instead opted to stay at Portsmouth, who he then led to a FA Cup final win over Cardiff.
Redknapp was appointed Tottenham boss just five months later and enjoyed a successful stint in north London before also taking charge of QPR, the Jordan national team and most recently Birmingham City.
Kevin Keegan was appointed Newcastle boss after Redknapp snubbed them and now, during an interview on the hit TV show, he has revealed why.
He joked: 'I was offered the job but I just couldn't get my Geordie accent right.
'I don't regret anything, I don't look back, I look forward and move on.
'I went to Spurs and had four fantastic years and I don't regret staying at Pompey where I had a great time.'
Southampton made a dig at former manager Redknapp following the news that he would be taking part in this year's I’m A Celebrity.
Redknapp, who was in charge at St Marys between 2004 and 2005, entered the jungle on Sunday and has since been adjusting to his new surroundings.
The official club twitter account tweeted: 'Careful Harry doesn’t leave you halfway through to join @bbcstrictly #saintsfc.'
The jab refers to him leaving Southampton in December 2005 for rivals Portsmouth.
Redknapp joined Southampton in December 2004 following a spell at Fratton Park, but the Saints were relegated from the Premier League.