The right-back said that Blues and his former club Metz were interested in his signature when it became clear his future lay away from relegated West Ham. "West Ham had problems agreeing a fee with Metz for me," Schemmel told French magazine Le Foot. "Birmingham also made an offer, but I refused it. "And when Redknapp, who I knew well, made contact I had made my mind up." Manager Steve Bruce also saw a bid to bring right-back Danny Mills to St. Andrew's from Leeds United during the last transfer window fall through when the England international decided on a move to Middlesbrough ahead of Blues.
However, once he knew that his former boss at Upton Park, Harry Redknapp, was interested in signing him for Portsmouth he didn't need any persuading on which side to choose.
Seems that position is one area Brucie is keen on strengthening.