Although there were hotly-denied reports that Franco-Russian businessman Gaydamak – who made a £15m (€22m) investment in the club in January – was not happy with Redknapp’s managerial performance, Mandaric insists the pair believe he has done enough to keep the job next season.

His current deal expires in May but now new contract talks could start in three weeks after a sequence of three successive home games – even though Redknapp is adamant he is not looking beyond the end of the season.

Gaydamak, 30, who is believed to have an option on buying the rest of Mandaric’s investment at some stage, needed convincing about Redknapp’s qualities after waiting more than two months to see a Premiership win following his purchase of a 50% share in the club in January.

But he has been won over by the three wins from three games that have lifted Pompey towards safety.

Mandaric, 67, told the Portsmouth News: “Sacha [Gaydamak] is finally seeing what I told him about. He is 100% behind Harry. When results were not going well Sacha did not jump to conclusions. He didn’t do anything silly.

“He wanted to give Harry time and that is what he is doing. I strongly believe we will stay up but if, God forbid, we didn’t I don’t think there would be a better man to get us back in the Premiership.”

He added: “I cannot see why Harry Redknapp will not be here next season. I do not think there’s a better man for the job. I have discussed it with Sacha and we will sort it out in the next two to three weeks. We both believe that Harry is the man.”