Pompey sack manager Alain Perrin

[Sir Alan LCSugar]

That would be mental to move. In my mind Sheffield as odds on to go up and Portsmouth would be odds on to go down. He was worked bloody hard to get them where they are now and in my oppinion he would be a fool to change.

[Lineker]

Just a quick update on the South Coast sop opera:

Portsmouth chairman Milan Mandaric hopes to name Alain Perrin's successor later this week but it is looking increasingly unlikely that it will be Harry Redknapp.

The former West Ham and Portsmouth manager walked out of Southampton last Friday although he insists he has not resigned.

Pompey made an offer of compensation to the Saints on Monday for permission to speak to Redknapp.

But a brief statement on Portsmouth's official website read: "Due to the busy schedule of chairman Rupert Lowe the club was informed via the Southampton secretary that this offer was not acceptable.

"Pompey will now step up their search for a new manager with plans to interview further candidates.

"Chairman Milan Mandaric remains confident that a new man will be appointed before the end of the week.

"That possibly includes Lawrie Sanchez after Howard Wells the chief executive of the Irish Football Association cleared the way for talks.

"Contrary to earlier news Pompey will not be reported for an illegal approach to the Northern Ireland manager."

Earlier on Monday, Southampton turned down what they described as a "derisory" compensation offer for Redknapp.

Rupert Lowe rejected an initial offer of £50,000, with a further £75,000 payable should Redknapp keep Pompey in the Premiership.

The Saints chairman was thought to be holding out for around £220,000 - the remainder of Redknapp's contract which runs out at the end of the season.

Lowe told the Saints' official website: "This is the first official offer of compensation we have received from Portsmouth and we have turned it down.

"Until we reach agreement, Pompey do not have permission to speak to Harry who is still in our employment."

Edited December 5, 2005 by Messiah-Dice

[public enemy]

And as expected...

Harry's back at Fratton Park

Harry Redknapp has officially been confirmed as Portsmouth's new manager.

At a press conference at Fratton Park, Redknapp was unveiled before the media, completing one of the most remarkable football turnarounds in recent years.

Redknapp quit Portsmouth last season after a much publicised fall-out with chairman Milan Mandaric, took over at Southampton, where he never really settled at St Mary's and failed to prevent them from sliding out of The Premiership.

Having quit Southampton on Saturday, after hearing of Portsmouth's interest in securing his services, Redknapp was initially caught in no-mans' land at the beginning of the week after the two clubs failed to agree a suitable compensation package.

However, further talks between Mandaric and his Saints counterpart Rupert Lowe did broker a deal satisfactory for both parties and Redknapp will now take his place in the Pompey dugout on Saturday, against West Brom.

Redknapp will not be fondly remembered on the red side of the South Coast but it remains to be seen what reception he will receive on the blue side at the weekend.

[fineintent]

It must be shit to support Portsmouth.

And Southampton must be awful for Redknapp to go back to Mandaric.

[TheArsenal]

Leaving your club to join your rivals, only to leave and rejoin the rival original club?

Ouch. Redknapp could be the most hated man on the south coast.

[wigguk78]

It must be shit to support Portsmouth.

And Southampton must be awful for Redknapp to go back to Mandaric.

[XX Aaron XX]

I can see the headline in the papers being "MISSION COMPLEATE" with The Sun making up some bollocks about this being a mission to get Southampton relegated.

Harry needs to sign a new midfield. Possibly an anchor man like Sean Davis along with a pair or wingers like Quashire and Walcott (not that they will get him). Signing somebody like David Healy or Kenny Miller upfront wouldn't be too bad aswell.

[9 to 5]

Leaving your club to join your rivals, only to leave and rejoin the rival original club?

I think Mr Redknapp is a big fan of Vince Russo.