permission to land

[twinpeakes]

Blades let Warnock talk to Pompey
By Phil McNulty
Chief football writer


1
There is a long way to go - we are not there yet

Milan Mandaric
Sheffield United have given Portsmouth permission to open talks with manager Neil Warnock about succeeding sacked Alain Perrin at Fratton Park.
Pompey chairman Milan Mandaric told BBC Sport the move was "a breakthrough" but still does not expect to make an appointment until early next week.

He added: "We are in the process of setting up a meeting, but there is a long way to go. We are not there yet.

"I'd also still like to talk to two or three other candidates as well."

Mandaric added: "If we can do a deal, we would still need to go back to Sheffield United about their compensation, but it is a breakthrough for us in terms of setting up a proper interview with regard to appointing a new manager."

The Blades agreed to let Warnock meet Pompey after pondering an official approach from chairman Milan Mandaric.

The 57-year-old is Mandaric's top choice to take over from Perrin.

Sheffield United said the decision to let Warnock discuss a move to Portsmouth was taken "after long and careful consideration."

It is our understanding that if Neil Warnock gets the job, Keith will go as his assistant

Chester chairman Stephen Vaughan on Keith Curle's future

A statement from Bramall Lane added that they had "reluctantly agreed, conditional on suitable compensation, to make Neil Warnock available to speak to Portsmouth.

"The continued success of the club has been paramount to the thinking, and in these difficult times it is imperative for supporters to get behind the club."

Warnock, who has been at the club for six years, has insisted he will still be in charge for Saturday's local derby against Sheffield Wednesday.

Gers turn down move for McLeish

He has overseen the Blades' impressive start to the season, but his contract ends in June and he is waiting on a new one.

It seems certain that if Warnock does get the job at Fratton Park, he will approach Chester with a view to taking their manager, former England defender Keith Curle, as his assistant.

Chester chairman Stephen Vaughan said: "It is our understanding that if Neil Warnock gets the job, Keith will go as his assistant.

"We have a decent working relationship and I won't stand in his way. We can't compete with the wages or level of football they would be offering."

Mandaric hints at Redknapp return

Curle, 42, who has also been linked with Bristol Rovers, added: "At the moment nothing has happened and all I'm doing is watching videos and reading match reports to prepare my team to face Nottingham Forest.

"It's no different to the Bristol Rovers (approach). I owe it to the supporters, players and chairman to focus on the job in hand."

Meanwhile, Rangers denied Portsmouth permission to speak to the under-pressure McLeish on Tuesday.

Portsmouth also missed out on the chance to speak to Crystal Palace manager Dowie after Eagles chairman Simon Jordan rejected their approach.

Southampton chairman Rupert Lowe insisted there had been no contact with Portsmouth over the prospect of a controversial return for former Pompey boss Harry Redknapp.

Warnock has the passion to inject a bit of venom into the team

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Lowe told Saints website: "Milan Mandaric hasn't made any approach and there's no sign of one.

"It couldn't get off the ground without me being informed and that hasn't happened. We're just ignoring the speculation."

But Redknapp was keen to scotch rumours he could return to Pompey, a year after his departure.

"I have a job and have never been asked to go back," said the Southampton boss.

"I have a team here I still think can get out of this division.

"If I said I wanted to go back now, I would be crucified. That's all I need."

Former Hearts boss George Burley and Sir Bobby Robson are other names in the frame to succeed Perrin, who was sacked on 25 November.