Former boss Harry Redknapp backs Portsmouth to be given chance to complete promotion push

The former Blues boss is wholeheartedly behind the 2019-20 season being completed before the next one begins.

English football has been suspended until April 30, although that date looks highly likely to be pushed back amid the coronavirus crisis accelerating throughout the country.

Pompey quintet James Bolton, Andy Cannon, Ross McCrorie, Haji Mnoga and Sean Raggett all contracted the virus.

Kenny Jackett’s side haven’t played a game for more than three weeks after their scheduled home clash against Accrington on Saturday, March 14 was postponed.

Nor have they trained since being sent home from the Hilsea base a day prior to the Fratton Park fixture.

There have been some calls for the campaign to be declared null and void – like what's happened from step three and below of the non-league pyramid.

Pompey sit fourth in League One and just two points outside the automatic promotion places.

Reaching the Championship has been the Blues target since suffering play-off semi-final heartbreak to Sunderland last term.

And Redknapp, who led Pompey to FA Cup glory in 2008 and promotion to the Premiership in 2003, is adamant the season must be finished.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, he said: ‘Yes I would, that's what I would love to see. I'd love to see the season fully completed before we ever start next season whenever that may be.

‘I really want to see Liverpool win the league, I want to see the teams in the top four and I want to see the teams in the Championship and in every other league who might get promoted.

‘I think it should be finished and brought to a conclusion before we even start next season, that's what I would like to see.’