Pompey duo consider future

Milan Mandaric and Harry Redknapp are to take stock of Portsmouth’s latest great escape over the next few days before deciding whether their futures remain at Fratton Park.

In the immediate aftermath of yesterday’s come-from-behind victory at Wigan that guaranteed another season in the Barclays Premiership, the two men refused to bow to their emotions.

In taking 20 points from their last nine games to condemn Birmingham and West Brom to the Coca-Cola Championship, euphoria was mixed with relief at what they had achieved.

To that extent, it seems inconceivable Pompey chairman Mandaric will walk away, and he certainly has no intention of allowing Redknapp to do so.

On Mandaric’s part, when he welcomed on board Alexandre Gaydamak as an equal partner in early January, there was the proviso the son of a Russian billionaire could one day buy up the remaining 50% stake.

In Redknapp’s case, when he returned to the club in early December, he signed a short-term contract to the end of the season.

The esteem in which both men are held by the fans, notably by the 5,000 who sang their praises after the final whistle at the JJB Stadium, should ensure their partnership continues into next season.

When asked about his own future, Mandaric replied: “Give me a few days to sort myself out and get rid of the numbness I am feeling because this hasn’t quite sunk in yet.

“I’ve not had a chance to think about it because simply staying up and giving all my support to that has been at the top of my list of priorities.”

But then with an indication as to what might lie ahead, he added: “I am sure we will sit down and plan for next season, and hopefully we can avoid this kind of scenario in the future.”

On Redknapp, Mandaric was less circumspect, with the 65-year-old insisting: “We will sit down with Harry.

“We didn’t want anything to detract from the focus of staying up, and Harry understood that.

“I don’t think there will be any problem in tying up Harry for the future. It will be a formality as far as I’m concerned.”

Redknapp, though, refused to nail his colours to Pompey’s blue mast as he said: “It’s not up to me. I've not spoken to anybody about next season. It’s up to the people who own the club. That’s their decision.

“When I arrived I came on a six-month deal. I just shook hands with Milan on a deal to the end of the season, and I didn’t even ask him what he was going to pay me.

“I just said I’d come back for six months, and if I could keep them up then it would be great. I’ll now sit down and have a chat and see what’s involved, but I’ve not really thought about it.

“I just wanted to pull this off, and I’ve done it. I’m delighted and I’m pleased for myself as well as everybody else.”

Those detractors who questioned Mandaric’s wisdom in re-appointing Redknapp following his infamous defection to Southampton would now appear to have been won over.

Mandaric concedes he made a “bold decision” in asking Redknapp back, one that has been fully vindicated.

Redknapp added: “When I came back it wasn’t easy. I expected some of the fans not to be on my side, and I knew I was putting myself under severe pressure - again!

“I took on a big challenge, and for Milan it was probably the last throw of the dice because we were marooned with just 10 points from 15 games.

“It was a case of giving it everything to try to turn it around, and it’s not been easy. What we have achieved is unbelievable.”

The south-coast club have endured many rollercoaster rides during Mandaric’s eight years at the helm, but none of the peaks come close to matching yesterday’s high.

“In my seven years at Portsmouth football club this has to be the most emotional moment in terms of achieving something for a lot of reasons,” added Mandaric.

“One of those was in bringing Harry back. A lot of people questioned that at the time, and it was a bold decision.

“But I knew Harry was the only man to do what he has done here, and I am so delighted and happy for him.”

It could have been a different story if Wigan had scored more than the one goal they deserved following a rampant first half.

But Henri Camara’s 12th of the season was not enough as Benjani Mwaruwari finally chose the perfect time to score his first goal for the club after his £4.1million club record move from Auxerre in the January transfer window.

Then in the 69th minute, and with Portsmouth looking likely winners, the break came when Gary Teale handled and was red carded, allowing Matthew Taylor to drive home a multi-million pound penalty.

For Wigan, it was the 10th time in 11 games they had taken the lead, and in only three of those have they held on for the win to manager Paul Jewell’s bitter frustration.

“We are finding it difficult to win games,” said Jewell.

“We have lost our killer instinct. We don’t seem to have that fox in the box, and that is where we are lacking, but then all areas of the team need strengthening.”