Zajec accepts Portsmouth post
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
Article summary
Portsmouth FC have appointed Velimir Zajec as their manager in place of the departed Harry Redknapp.
Article body
Portsmouth FC have appointed Velimir Zajec as their manager to replace Harry Redknapp, who resigned on 24 November.
New role
The 48-year-old Croatian was initially brought into the Premiership club as an executive director, but took charge of team affairs following Redknapp's departure. Joe Jordan, who has been working alongside Zajec as coach, will also continue in that role.
Effective combination
"I am happy to announce Velimir as our manager for the foreseeable future with Joe staying on in his coaching role," Portsmouth owner and chairman Milan Mandaric said in a statement. "The combination has worked well and both men are happy with the situation.
'First choice'
"Velimir was my first choice because he [has] proved that there is no better tactical organiser and motivator," Mandaric continued. "The only problem I thought I might have was persuading him to take the role since we originally brought him in to oversee all of the playing side from top to bottom. The players enjoy training and working with Velimir and Joe."
