MAIN NEWS

SUBSCRIBE
Receive a copy of 'View from the Top' direct to your inbox. Whenever the LMA issue a statement on the game, you'll be the very first to receive it.

NAME

EMAIL

We would like to keep you informed about the LMA by email in the future, but we need your permission to do this. Your feedback is really valuable so please tell us how you'd like to hear from us.

Tell me about new promotions, products and services from the LMA.
Tell me about new promotions, products and services from carefully selected 3rd Parties.

You can change your subscription status by hitting the unsubscribe link at the bottom of each edition.
15 Jul 2002
REDKNAPP READY TO GO BACK IN FOR GIN

Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp will attempt to sign mercurial French winger David Ginola once again, after initially failing to land the talented midfielder.

Redknapp approached Ginola, who is now a free agent having been released by Everton, but was unable to meet his wage demands.

Pompey chairman and owner Milan Mandaric refused to sanction the signing after being told the former Newcastle United, Tottenham and Aston Villa star wanted around £30,000 a week, but Redknapp is to meet the 35-year-old once again having discussed the matter further with his supremo.

Redknapp explained to BBC Sport Online that he is in a better position to discuss terms with Ginola following the departure of Robert Prosinecki, along with his hefty salary, after the Croatian international chose not to take up the second season option on his contract.

The former Hammers boss has seemingly persuaded Pompey's American owner that Ginola could provide the team with the necessary ammunition to fire them into the Premiership.

Although Ginola has frustrated several of his previous managers, such as George Graham and John Gregory, Redknapp has plenty of experience in handling talented players with a difficult reputation, and believes he could get the best out of the enigmatic Frenchman.

He said: "I would like to think that David could have a similar effect to what Paolo di Canio had when I signed him.

"People pay good money to watch football, and they should be entertained, but more importantly, it's what he might do for the team. I don't think you could question his talent and he could be the one to help us unpick defences.

The Pompey boss added: "I had a chat with him, firstly to see whether he wanted to play for us.

"It was never a case of negotiations breaking down or stopping over what he wanted. It's always been an open door for both parties and it's never closed.

"In the end, it will depend on what he wants and whether he is prepared to move. He's got to be flexible for us to do something with him."

Ginola joined Everton in February this year on a free transfer, but his contract at Goodison Park expired at the end of last season and was not renewed by Toffees boss David Moyes after he made just a handful of appearances for the Merseysiders.

In the absence of any interest from other clubs in the Barclaycard Premiership, Ginola must now decide if he is willing to drop down a level to continue his career in English football, which began with Newcastle United back in 1995.

Harry Redknapp

T: 01926 831 556 F: 01926 429 781 E: lma@lmasecure.com © League Managers Association 2007
Website Design & Development by Digital Marmalade Ltd