On this day: Stefanovic demands Pompey talks

On this day in 2007, Dejan Stefanovic was seeking talks with Harry Redknapp over his Pompey future.
Dejan Stefanovic, left, with Harry Redknapp on Pompey's tour of Hong Kong in 2007Dejan Stefanovic, left, with Harry Redknapp on Pompey's tour of Hong Kong in 2007
Dejan Stefanovic, left, with Harry Redknapp on Pompey's tour of Hong Kong in 2007

The back page of The News that day ran the story of how the Blues captain wanted to speak to his manager about what lay ahead for him at Fratton Park.

Milan Mandaric was keen to take Stefanovic to Leicester in the summer after taking control at the Walkers Stadium that week.

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And the 32-year-old defender told reporter Jordan Cross that he would not hang around if he was not wanted.

Stefanovic promised he was fully focused on fighting his way back from the knee injury which had kept him out since the previous November and helping Pompey into Europe.

But he said he needed to know what Redknapp’s plans were with a year left on his contract in the summer.

Stefanovic said: ‘At the end of the season I will have one year left on my contract.

‘As soon as I’m not welcome, I’m off. I will move.

‘If Harry decides I’m wanted here next season, I am here.

‘He and Milan were the reasons I came here.

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‘I need to speak to him about what is happening. Maybe at the end of the season or maybe sooner.

‘As soon as I feel I am not welcome I will find a solution. Who knows what will happen?

‘First we need to get these crucial games out of the way. I want to do everything to help us into Europe.

‘I’ve always said I will do the best for this club.

‘I will want to have a meeting with Harry to see his plans. If he wants to keep me it’s fine. It will be my pleasure to stay.

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‘I just need to know what his opinion is and what he thinks will be best. That is what is most important.

‘I’m honest. I’m in touch with Milan still.

‘My first focus is to get Pompey into Europe. Then we will go from there.’

In the summer of 2007, Stefanovic joined Fulham following more than 100 apearances for Pompey.