Zajec in line for long-term role

Mandaric puts his faith in Zajec

Velimir Zajec is set to continue taking charge of Portsmouth's first-team for the forseeable future.

The club's executive director has impressed chairman Milan Mandaric since Harry Redknapp resigned from the manager's position.

"Zajec did not want the job full-time," Mandaric told the Porstmouth Evening News. "But I am happy to keep him in place until we find the right man."

Mandaric is understood to have compiled a shortlist for the post.

The club had originally hoped to have a new manager installed at Fratton Park by January.

But Zajec's performance - he has won two Premiership matches since taking the reins - might have convinced Mandaric to put that plan on ice.

Mandaric brought the former Panathinaikos director of football to Fratton Park early last month.

Zajec move 'forced out Redknapp'

His arrival caused a split between Redknapp and Mandaric, although Redknapp insists that is not the reason he stepped down as manager.

Zajec is working alongside coaches Joe Jordan and Kevin Bond in organising team affairs.

And Mandaric insists he and the former Croatian international will sit down and devise a final short-list for the manager's post soon.