Pompey test Saints’ patience in Redknapp battle

PORTSMOUTH chairman Milan Mandaric yesterday stoked up the battle with Southampton for Harry Redknapp’s services when he claimed: “If Rupert Lowe loves Harry he should keep him there. If he doesn’t send him back to me.”

Southampton chairman Lowe has refused Pompey permission to talk to Redknapp, who was manager at Fratton Park before quitting to take over at St Mary’s.

However, following Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock’s decision to stay at Bramall Lane, Redknapp has emerged as the leading contender for the Pompey job.

Mandaric, who is also interested in talking to Rangers boss Alex McLeish, Northern Ireland manager Lawrie Sanchez, former Republic of Ireland boss Brian Kerr, Bobby Robson and David Pleat, threw down the gauntlet to Lowe yesterday.

He said: “We are working very hard and the main objective is to bring a manager in next week.”

“It is Rupert’s prerogative as chairman of Southampton and Harry is his manager. If he does not let us talk to him he doesn’t. There is nothing I can do about that and we move on and talk to other people.

“I did not sack Harry - he left us. There are supporters who do not want him back but Harry did well for us. I think some think [badly] of him because he left us to go to Southampton. I will have to put an arm around a few shoulders but remember, I am a fan as well as chairman. Harry did some great things here. But it has not happened so it is not a situation we can talk about.

“I do not know if Harry is happy at Southampton or if Rupert is happy with Harry. If Rupert loves Harry he should keep him there. If he doesn’t send him back to me.”

Mandaric has a timescale for an appointment. “We are working very hard to bring in a manager before the Tottenham match. We have candidates we are working with and talking to.”

Asked about McLeish, Sanchez and Kerr, Mandaric said: “There is Sir Bobby Robson and David Pleat too.”

Mandaric also refuted claims that he and Redknapp do not get on following his former manager’s departure.

“I do not think we fell out. It was created by our friends in the media. Harry is an emotional guy and so am I. He is a great manager and a good person. I did not fall out with him. Of course I did not like him to leave. If Harry comes here, fine; if he doesn’t, fine. We are still going to be friends.”