Kerr linked to Pompey post

PORTSMOUTH chairman Milan Mandaric is set to talk with former Republic of Ireland boss Brian Kerr and Northern Ireland manager Lawrie Sanchez about the vacant managerial post at Fratton Park.

Mandaric has also approached Southampton to speak to Harry Redknapp - who departed as Pompey boss almost a year ago - although it is understood permission was refused by Saints chairman Rupert Lowe.

His request to speak to Alex McLeish was rejected by Rangers, while Neil Warnock opted to remain at Sheffield United.

Mandaric said: “These are another two names on our list who we will talk to and see what they have to say and offer.

“We are leaving no stone unturned in our search for the right man and these are another line of enquiry in that quest.”

Kerr has not worked since October when the Football Association of Ireland choose not to renew his contract.

After a narrow win in Cyprus was followed by a goalless home draw with Switzerland, Kerr’s hopes of reaching the World Cup finals ended.

Sanchez built his managerial reputation at Wycombe when he took the club to the FA Cup semi-final in 2001, where they were beaten by Liverpool.

He has turned Northern Ireland’s fortunes around recently, masterminding the famous 1-0 win over England in a World Cup qualifier at Windsor Park.

Warnock looked to be favourite to succeed Alain Perrin, who departed Fratton Park last week, until deciding to stay at Bramall Lane.

“Milan had offered me a super deal, but it just did not feel right and that’s the way I am,” Warnock said.

Caretaker boss Joe Jordan looks set to be in charge for the clash against Manchester United on Saturday at Old Trafford.

Jordan has problems with Redknapp returning - although that now appears unlikely - and is concentrating on getting Pompey out of the bottom three of the Barclays Premiership.

“I know nothing more at this time,” Jordan said. “I’m just preparing to go to Old Trafford in charge of the team again when we play Manchester United on Saturday.”

Meanwhile, Republic of Ireland midfielder Graham Kavanagh has urged the FAI to quickly make up their mind over a new manager.

Merrion Square has already announced their first friendly of next year, with Sweden to visit Lansdowne Road on March 1, while Holland have also been pencilled in for August 16.

Kavanagh feels it is vital the FAI have Brian Kerr’s successor in place by the time the Swedes head to Dublin in exactly three months’ time.

It is now six weeks since the FAI took the decision not to renew Kerr’s contract following his failure to guide the Republic to next summer’s World Cup finals in Germany. In the intervening period there has been considerable speculation surrounding an appointment, with various names linked to the post, notably former England coach Terry Venables.

Yet a three-man FAI sub-committee deliberating over the appointment - chief executive John Delaney, president David Blood and secretary Michael Cody - have maintained a dignified silence.

It is anticipated no announcement will now be made until the new year as they are determined their head-hunting brings the right man.

Wigan midfielder Kavanagh hopes it is sooner rather than later to ensure they are fully prepared for the start of the European Championship campaign, which could begin as early as August, depending on next month’s draw.

“It’s imperative a new manager is in place before the game with Sweden. You can appreciate the FAI taking their time over appointing a new manager, yet while the European Championships appear a long time away, a new manager needs to have a lot of preparation.

“He needs to look at the squad, and with a few players having retired, he will need to look at other players to bring in.

“So it’s vital they make a decision over the next month or two, and then everybody will know where they stand. Hopefully then we can look forward to a bright future.”