Redknapp and Mandaric patch up differences

The farcical row between Harry Redknapp and Milan Mandaric appeared to be over today after the Portsmouth manager caved in over the appointment of Velimir Zajec.

Redknapp gave his consent for the former Panathinaikos coach to come in as executive director after receiving assurances that Zajec would not interfere in first-team affairs.

It represents a U-turn from the 57-year-old former West Ham boss, who had gone on record as saying he would quit Portsmouth rather than work with somebody he does not know.

Significantly, chairman Mandaric has agreed to change Zajec's job title from director of football to executive director.

The compromise emerged after Redknapp met Mandaric at a Portsmouth restaurant yesterday before attending an emergency board meeting at Fratton Park.

Zajec's brief is to build a youth academy at the club and improve the scouting structure. There are no plans at this stage for him to be involved with the first team.

Redknapp said: "I have had two good meetings with the chairman and he has laid out exactly what he wants the chap [Zajec] to do.

"As I have said all along, I am the manager and it doesn't interfere with anything I do as a manager. I am still in total control of the football, and if I hadn't have been then obviously the whole situation would have been different.

"I'm happy that Milan is keen to offer me more support. He told me he wanted me to stay at the club. He has spent more than 35 years in the game and he told me that he has never had a better manager than me."

Mandaric added: "It's been exhausting for both of us. We're both stressed by it. But I like the guy and we get on well. In my heart I love Harry Redknapp.

"All I want is to take the load off Harry. He is a creative and skilful manager but he needs help if we want to go forward."