JASON Tindall has leapt to the defence of new Tottenham striker and ex-Cherries team-mate Jermain Defoe.

The England under-21 international joined Spurs from West Ham for £7m, with Bobby Zamora moving in the other direction as part of the deal.

But the deadline day move for the former Cherries loan star has seen him come in for some stinging criticism from sections of the tabloids.

The reaction stems from his unpopular decision to hand in a transfer request at Upton Park the day after the Hammers were relegated last season.

But Tindall believes the condemnation is over the top.

He told the Daily Echo: "Jermain is getting a bit of stick and it is uneccessary.

"He is a great player and he wants to achieve the best for himself so I think it is unfair.

"Every footballer wants to play in the Premiership.

"Admittedly, he was badly advised when he put in his transfer request so soon after the relegation but he is only a young lad so was going to follow what his advisers told him to do.

"He's learnt from that mistake, this is a fresh start for him and I'm sure he'll score a lot of goals for Tottenham."

After being unveiled as a Spurs player, Defoe, who scored in 10 consecutive matches for Cherries three seasons ago in a memorable loan spell, issued an apology to West Ham's supporters.

He said: "I mishandled that move and I can only apologise. I'm young and I've learned from it.

"I have said a few times it was a mistake. It was the wrong decision but I've put that behind me. I've said sorry."

Tindall admitted his surprise at his close friend's move which was confirmed minutes before the 5pm deadline on Monday.

He said: "It was a bit of a shock to get home and see on TV that he was about to sign for Tottenham.

"I am surprised none of the big boys snapped him up to be honest. There was a lot of speculation about Manchester United and Arsenal a little while back.

"I was on the phone to him a few weeks ago and we were laughing about it.

"I kept asking him if it was going to be Man United or Arsenal, but he always played it down. He certainly didn't know anything was going to happen in the transfer window.

"Now he's a Tottenham player, he'll do very well and score goals there. He'll be looking forward to playing with Freddie Kanoute again and Robbie Keane."

Defoe became Cherries' most successful ever loan signing in the 2000-01 season when he notched an incredible 18 goals in 29 league games, which

But the Cherries utility man, who was Defoe's landlord during his stay on the south coast, shed new light on the striker's habits.

He said: "When he first came down, let's just say he was a bit messy.

"So I had to get on at him to tidy up and then he was fine after that," added Tindall.

"But he was a great lad, we got on very well and I'm really pleased he's managed to achieve what he has so far. I'm sure he'll go on to achieve even more.

Tindall also believes Defoe could make a late run for a place in the England squad in this summer's European Championships.

He added: "The best way he can do that is by playing week in week out in the Premiership against the best defenders and against the best teams. He is a prolific goalscorer and I'm sure he'll do the same in the Premiership again.

"If he goes there and starts banging in the goals like we all know he can he has got every chance of going to Euro 2004. It is in his own hands."