Post by stam on Jan 11, 2008 23:39:00 GMT -1
Portsmouth tell Harry Redknapp to give answer by lunchtime
George Caulkin
Harry Redknapp is expected to accept the challenge of revitalising Newcastle United today after being asked to made a quick decision by his present employers.
While Portsmouth yesterday rebuffed an initial approach from St James’ Park for permission to open negotiations with their veteran manager, their decision to allow the 60-year-old to sleep on his future represents a significant softening of their position.
Associates of Redknapp expect a positive response to Newcastle’s overtures after Mike Ashley, the club’s owner, identified him as his first-choice target to replace Sam Allardyce, although the pull of his family ties to the South Coast, as well as the support of Portsmouth fans, have been strong. While Sandra, Redknapp’s wife, will have significant sway, Newcastle officials remain optimistic.
Redknapp cancelled his regular press conference at Portsmouth’s training ground, fuelling suggestions that a move to Tyneside was imminent. He travelled to London for a shopping excursion with his wife and his sister, when he intended to finalise his plans. There is also a suggestion that he met Chris Mort, the Newcastle chairman.
With Portsmouth due to fly to the North East this lunchtime for tomorrow’s Barclays Premier League fixture against Sunderland, Peter Storrie, their chief executive, has requested that Redknapp makes his intentions known, thereby minimising disruption to team affairs.
While Portsmouth do not wish to lose their “valued” manager, there is a recognition that they cannot retain his services against his will.
Compensation of around £8 million – Redknapp signed an extended contract, which stretches until 2011, as recently as October – will soften the blow, although Redknapp is also understood to be eager to take his backroom staff of Joe Jordan and Tony Adams, who will be a candidate to succeed him at Fratton Park, to Tyneside. He is also keen to receive assurances directly from Ashley about the owner’s ambitions for Newcastle.
George Caulkin
Harry Redknapp is expected to accept the challenge of revitalising Newcastle United today after being asked to made a quick decision by his present employers.
While Portsmouth yesterday rebuffed an initial approach from St James’ Park for permission to open negotiations with their veteran manager, their decision to allow the 60-year-old to sleep on his future represents a significant softening of their position.
Associates of Redknapp expect a positive response to Newcastle’s overtures after Mike Ashley, the club’s owner, identified him as his first-choice target to replace Sam Allardyce, although the pull of his family ties to the South Coast, as well as the support of Portsmouth fans, have been strong. While Sandra, Redknapp’s wife, will have significant sway, Newcastle officials remain optimistic.
Redknapp cancelled his regular press conference at Portsmouth’s training ground, fuelling suggestions that a move to Tyneside was imminent. He travelled to London for a shopping excursion with his wife and his sister, when he intended to finalise his plans. There is also a suggestion that he met Chris Mort, the Newcastle chairman.
With Portsmouth due to fly to the North East this lunchtime for tomorrow’s Barclays Premier League fixture against Sunderland, Peter Storrie, their chief executive, has requested that Redknapp makes his intentions known, thereby minimising disruption to team affairs.
While Portsmouth do not wish to lose their “valued” manager, there is a recognition that they cannot retain his services against his will.
Compensation of around £8 million – Redknapp signed an extended contract, which stretches until 2011, as recently as October – will soften the blow, although Redknapp is also understood to be eager to take his backroom staff of Joe Jordan and Tony Adams, who will be a candidate to succeed him at Fratton Park, to Tyneside. He is also keen to receive assurances directly from Ashley about the owner’s ambitions for Newcastle.
