Mandaric predicts Redknapp will joins Magpies
Harry Redknapp’s old boss Milan Mandaric believes the Portsmouth manager is at a “crossroads” in his life – and he expects him to move in the direction of Newcastle.
Mandaric anticipates the lure of huge amounts of money to spend at St James’ Park will outweigh any concerns Redknapp might have about leaving the comfort of Portsmouth to succeed Sam Allardyce as Newcastle manager.
Although there has been no official confirmation from Newcastle or Redknapp that the offer of a job has been made, Mandaric – owner of Leicester and ex-chairman at Portsmouth – appears to have little doubt his old manager will take the challenge.
“Unfortunately I do think he will go,” Mandaric told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“I think Harry is at a crossroads. He has the opportunity, if he wants to get it out of his system to go to a bigger club with lots of money.”
Mandaric himself will nonetheless have mixed feelings if Redknapp does decide to end an era on the south coast.
He warns too that there are no guarantees for anyone considering the prospect of succeeding Allardyce – who lasted only eight months in charge at Newcastle before he had to move on as patience ran out on a season which seems likely to end, as have many others, with a mid-table outcome on Tyneside.
“It would break my heart if he leaves my old club Portsmouth – it’s a great club,” said Mandaric.
“It will not be a picnic there either – so Harry had better be prepared for it.”
Redknapp’s former Portsmouth assistant Jim Smith – himself an ex-Newcastle manager too – confirmed he has discussed the situation with his old friend.
“It is something I think Harry is weighing up – whether, if he doesn’t (accept an offer from Newcastle), he will always regret it,” he said.
