Mandaric backs Redknapp

Former Portsmouth chairman Milan Mandaric has backed his friend and former coach Harry Redknapp to succeed if he takes the Newcastle job - but despite the pressure feels Redknapp will regret it if he rejects the opportunity to coach the Toon.

“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.

“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.

“It is something I think Harry is weighing up – whether, if he doesn’t (accept an offer from Newcastle), he will always regret it."