Mandaric: Redknapp The Best Man For England

Former Portsmouth chairman Milan Mandaric is convinced Harry Redknapp is the perfect candidate to succeed Fabio Capello.

Mandaric, now owner of Sheffield Wednesday, was speaking during his first interview since he and Redknapp were cleared of tax evasion.

The Spurs manager and his former boss at Portsmouth sat side-by-side at Southwark Crown Court.

Within hours of walking free Redknapp became the favourite for the England job following Fabio Capello's resignation and Mandaric told Sky Sports News, the FA should look no further for the Italian's replacement.

He said: "I don't think there's a better man than Harry Redknapp to take over.

"I probably shouldn't say that because it's not my job to talk about managers who are employees and who are very happy with their job - but like everyone else, we are talking about this. Rightfully so because we want England to be successful.

"I've been a big part of (the) last few years of English football and I want England to be successful. You have your chances. Who is going to be the best one? There's no better man than Harry Redknapp."

According to Mandaric the 13-day trial was tough on Redknapp.

"I knew he was under pressure. He had a big-profile job and there is potentially an even bigger job ahead of him," Mandaric said.

"He was going through difficulties. He just couldn't take it when he was accused and certain things were said. He turned to me and said, 'why?' and I said, "just calm down, it will be okay.'"

The Serbian businessman confessed that the trial has also taken its toll on him - hinting he might consider quitting Sheffield Wednesday and walking away from football altogether.

He said: "I love the game, I love England. But I still believe inside this has done some damage to me.

"I hope I can stay long enough to deliver to them (the fans) what I promised. But if you ask me now, I tell you straight, I will have to revisit that."