Hands off Harry, say Pompey

PORTSMOUTH were last night adamant Harry Redknapp will stay on as manager at Fratton Park despite speculation he is top of Newcastle’s list to replace Sam Allardyce.

Pompey moved swiftly as Redknapp and Blackburn’s Mark Hughes found themselves thrust to the head of the field in the race for the St James’ Park hot-seat despite the former West Ham boss insisting he is happy where he is.

The Magpies have given little indication as to whom they are targeting to replace Allardyce, other than that they are looking for a proven track record, but the south coast club launched a pre-emptive strike.