HARRY REDKNAPP steered Spurs into the Champions League for the first time and got a soaking for his trouble.
His players celebrated by pouring a huge barrel of iced water over him.
But it failed to dampen Redknapp's joy after Peter Crouch's 82nd-minute header guaranteed Tottenham at least fourth place and a potential £50million windfall.
Redknapp said: "I'm absolutely soaked but I'm delighted. This is great for the club.
"At the start of the year I thought Manchester City were the only club with a chance of breaking into the top four.
"I hoped we would get into the top seven and qualify for Europe. So to do this is great."
Redknapp, who took over 18 months ago when the side had two points from eight games, added: "When I first arrived the chairman was worried about relegation.
"He has just asked me who Arsenal are playing on Sunday because we have a chance to pip them to third place.
"Where we have come from to where we are now is marvellous.
"This is a better achievement for me than winning the FA Cup with Portsmouth.
"This is about 38 games and we have done it playing some good football."
It is the first time Tottenham have qualified to play alongside Europe's club elite since 1961.
And they could still catch rivals Arsenal for third if Spurs beat Burnley on Sunday and the Gunners lose at home to Europa League final-bound Fulham.
City owner Sheikh Mansour has invested £250m in under two years - but missed out on the coveted top-four finish he craved.
Boss Roberto Mancini dismissed suggestions it would cost him his job.
He said: "I think I'll be here next season, why not?
"We've have just missed out. But we will get better next season."
Midfielder Gareth Barry limped off with an ankle injury but City do not believe it is serious with England chief Fabio Capello due to name his provisional 30-man World Cup squad on Tuesday.
His players celebrated by pouring a huge barrel of iced water over him.
But it failed to dampen Redknapp's joy after Peter Crouch's 82nd-minute header guaranteed Tottenham at least fourth place and a potential £50million windfall.
Redknapp said: "I'm absolutely soaked but I'm delighted. This is great for the club.
"At the start of the year I thought Manchester City were the only club with a chance of breaking into the top four.
"I hoped we would get into the top seven and qualify for Europe. So to do this is great."
Redknapp, who took over 18 months ago when the side had two points from eight games, added: "When I first arrived the chairman was worried about relegation.
"He has just asked me who Arsenal are playing on Sunday because we have a chance to pip them to third place.
"Where we have come from to where we are now is marvellous.
"This is a better achievement for me than winning the FA Cup with Portsmouth.
"This is about 38 games and we have done it playing some good football."
It is the first time Tottenham have qualified to play alongside Europe's club elite since 1961.
And they could still catch rivals Arsenal for third if Spurs beat Burnley on Sunday and the Gunners lose at home to Europa League final-bound Fulham.
City owner Sheikh Mansour has invested £250m in under two years - but missed out on the coveted top-four finish he craved.
Boss Roberto Mancini dismissed suggestions it would cost him his job.
He said: "I think I'll be here next season, why not?
"We've have just missed out. But we will get better next season."
Midfielder Gareth Barry limped off with an ankle injury but City do not believe it is serious with England chief Fabio Capello due to name his provisional 30-man World Cup squad on Tuesday.