Keegan not on our list - Mandaric

By John May

Pompey closing on new coach

Portsmouth chairman Milan Mandaric has insisted that former Manchester City boss Kevin Keegan is not on his shortlist to replace Harry Redknapp.

But Mandaric told BBC Sport that he intends to speak to former Southampton manager Gordon Strachan.

Mandaric said: "Kevin's not on our list, because he only became available recently and I don't believe he's looking for a job at the moment.

"Gordon's a different matter, we're definitely going to talk to him."

Executive director Velimir Zajec has been in charge of first-team affairs with head coach Joe Jordan since Redknapp left the club in November.

Mandaric told BBC Sport that the interviewing process was underway but Pompey's alarming slide down the table which has taken them to the fringe of the relegation fight, had shifted their focus.

Keegan is not on Pompey's wanted list

The Pompey chairman said: "Velimir and myself are interviewing people but really our priority at this point is our next nine games.

"We need to win a few points and we can't ignore that, but at the same time it's important we bring in the proper guy before the season is over."

"We're not desperate time-wise, but we hope to bring somebody on board before the end of April."

Mandaric would not be drawn on a candidates list that is said to include former Ajax coach Ronald Koeman, Claudio Ranieri and Frank Rijkaard's assistant at Barcelona, Theo Ten Caat in addition to Strachan.

"We're not prejudiced as to whether he is an English coach or from abroad. Our most important concern is to bring in the proper person with the quality of coaching ability who will earn the respect of the players.

"Where he comes from is not important at all," added Mandaric.

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"I know Kevin Keegan well and I have respect for him and what he's done for the game.

"But I think and suspect that Kevin would need a bit of a rest before he approaches a new job.

"We've said all along that we have great respect for Gordon," added Mandaric of the former Southampton boss who lives midway between the two cities.

Mandaric insisted any new appointment would have to work with Zajec, who will revert to his role as chief executive.

"The new man can have any title he likes, and he will be responsible for first-team coaching and selecting the team, but he will have support in the job.

"The signing of players is not a one-man show and the new coach will work with Velimir on that."