Portsmouth chairman Milan Mandaric has ruled Harry Redknapp out of the running to become the Barclays Premiership club’s new manager.
Redknapp was expected to return to Fratton Park after almost a year at Southampton ended with him walking out following Saints chairman Rupert Lowe’s refusal to give permission for him to speak with Pompey.
A compensation agreement would have to be agreed between the south coast rivals before Redknapp could be appointed, with Lowe turning down Pompey’s first offer.
However, as for reaching a potential deal for Redknapp with Lowe today, Mandaric said: “He (Lowe) is too busy today hunting the ducks – that’s more important to him than the football.”
And when asked on Sky Sports News if the 58-year-old Redknapp was still on the list of potential managers, Mandaric replied “no”.
A statement on Pompey’s official website, www.pompeyfc.co.uk, read: “Pompey will now step up their search for a new manager with plans to interview further candidates.”