Redknapp Returns

Well, the managerial saga is over for another year at Pompey! The choice - as if we didn't already know - was the return of the prodigal son, or Harry Redknapp if you prefer. Mandaric insisted at the press conference that Harry was 'my first choice.'

Mandaric continued 'I have picked the right man for this club and I believe him to currently be the only one that can get us out of the position we find ourselves in. People have made a lot about what happened a year ago but I am a grown man, and so is Harry Redknapp, and whatever else was said at the time I put on record that I was very sorry to see him go from Fratton Park because he was manager of the most successful team in half a century for this club.'

He also says that the reports of other managers turning Pompey down were wrong 'We made enquiries, talked to people, but never once did I offer the job to anyone before Harry Redknapp nor did I want to in all honesty. Now Harry has a huge task in front of him and I would like to say to all fans that your support and united front is crucial to him, me and the club as a whole.'

He says he knows he has the right man for the job and that Redknapp has returned 'because of his affection for this club'

Finishing: 'In the end I have put everything to one side and simply concentrated on what I believe to be the right thing for this club. Now my simple plea is that everyone else be totally focused on that one aspect.'

Looks like Matt Partridge, who did a two part story for us yesterday (Southenders Uncovered Pt 1 and 2) got it just about right!