Football FanCast columnist Rob Facey thinks that Harry Redknapp is due a trophy and is glad
that the wheeler dealer has come out and stated that he will not be retiring
after Saturday's FA Cup final, as some sections of the press would have us
believe.
After guiding Pompey to their highest finish in the Premier
League, manager Harry Redknapp should have been given the keys to the city for
a remarkable achievement. However, victory on Saturday would cement his place
in the clubs history books.
Redknapp has been a manager for a quarter of a century but a
victory on Saturday would yield his first major honour.
This fact, coupled with a turbulent year off the field that included family tragedy and police enquiries, had many in the press suggesting that Redknapp would be leading his team out for the last time at Wembley. However, the hugely popular Redknapp has dispelled these rumours, citing Sir Alex Ferguson as a major inspiration for staying on.
"You're as old as you feel and Alex Ferguson must be feeling bloody brilliant," Redknapp told The Telegraph.
"He's a lesson to us all.
"I want to go on as long as him and I don't see why I can't. I still love the game as much as ever. I've got a good team, good players and thoroughly enjoy working at this club.
"I can't see myself ever leaving Portsmouth, not now. It would be nice to put on a performance in the final but it's more important to win.
"In 10 years' time they'll only remember who won it, not how they played."
Redknapp, 61, is one of the games most popular figures and it would be a great shame for his to leave football early - albeit with the FA Cup under his arm.
Nobody would begrudge him a victory on Saturday, but he must be warned of complacency, especially after the end of season's lifeless performance against Fulham.
Would winning the FA Cup mark Portsmouth's greatest achievement? Or is their position as a Premier League force more impressive?
Redknapp would be mad to walk out of the club just as they enter the most promising period of their career, especially as he is the man to thank for their rise to prominence.
Should they prioritise securing the futures of their aging stars and build for the future?
What next for Redknapp and Portsmouth? Should they be looking to build on their final position of eighth and aim for European football?