Portsmouth chairman Milan Mandaric is today expected to confirm that Velimir Zajec and Joe Jordan will be retained as the club's managerial partnership, writes SIMON WALTER.

Mandaric put executive director Zajec, pictured, and coach Jordan in temporary charge of the first team after Harry Redknapp's resignation.

And, following Redknapp's exit, Pompey had gone five matches unbeaten until Sunday's 1-0 defeat at home to champions Arsenal, with the club still in a respectable 12th place in the Premiership table.

Mandaric said: "Velimir can match any manager. He knows the game inside out and understands the needs of the club. He was never coming here as manager but as executive director in charge of overall football activities.

"So we are not quite sure whether this is the way we are going to go."

On Sunday, ex-Saints boss Strachan revealed he had rejected the chance to get back into football with the south coast outfit.

"I think it's a fantastic job for anybody apart from somebody who has just been the Southampton manager. It's got everything going for it but I've got too many memories of the other side and I don't want to sour those memories.

"Everything's right - it's ten minutes away, there are good players there, a good set-up and a good atmosphere at the ground.

"There's lots to do but it's not right for somebody who has just been the Southampton manager."