REDKNAPP COMPLETES PORTSMOUTH RETURN
Harry Redknapp has become Portsmouth manager for the second time,
signing a contract until the end of the season in a bid to save
Pompey from relegation from the Barclays Premiership.
Redknapp praised Portsmouth chairman Milan Mandaric for giving him
a second chance to manage the club - a year and 13 days after a
major row between the two forced him out of Fratton Park.
Mandaric said Redknapp's brother-in-law, Frank Lampard senior, had
played a major role in getting them together again and making
Redknapp's mind up to leave Southampton.
Mandaric said: As soon as I knew Harry was interested in coming
back there was only one person I wanted and now I have got
him.
We had our disagreements but we are above and beyond that now and
are looking at the bigger picture.
"We have a huge, huge challenge on our hands. 10 points from 15
games says it all.
Redknapp took Portsmouth to promotion in his first season in charge
and then kept the club in the top flight before leaving when
Velimir Zajec was brought in above him as director of
football.
Redknapp said: Milan has taken a big gamble in getting me back and
the fact he wanted me was the key to the whole thing.
It was a massive mistake leaving Portsmouth and I am looking
forward to starting again. All that matters is staying in the
Premiership.
I had the best couple of years of my football life here and there
was not a day when I did not regret leaving.
No disrespect to Southampton, their fans were great but I never
felt wanted. There were always things going on behind the scenes
and I was not comfortable.
I had no problem with Sir Clive Woodward. There were other
problems.
Redknapp has signed a contract until the end of the season and will
review his position when Pompey's fate is known.
He continued: I would love to be here for three or four years but
who knows in football. The first job is to stay up.
Lampard, father of the Chelsea and England midfielder, first
alerted Redknapp to Pompey's possible interest in taking him back
when he went to watch his son at Fratton Park.
The 58-year-old continued: I told Frank I did not think it was on
but it went from there.
I hope we can turn things around and keep the club in the
Premiership. We have to make teams fear coming here as they used to
do.
It was not a money situation. I wanted to come back and sign a
blank contract.
When Milan came in for me I could not say no. He has shown
fantastic courage.
Redknapp leads Portsmouth at Tottenham on Monday and the new
manager added: Half a team that was here when I was in charge have
gone so I have a lot to learn in a short time.
It's going to be a huge job. - premierleague.com
