Football story by Fred Smith, Sun, 08 Jan 2006 08:52:00 GMT


LONDON - Portsmouth's new Russian co-owner began his stint at Fratton Park by saying what most of us already knew- that he is no Roman Abramovich and that any comparison was "uncomfortable." Alexandre Gaydamak was presented to the media and fans alike by his partner at Pompey, Milan Mandaric yesterday.

"I'm thrilled and happy to be one of the co-owners; I'm looking forward to a great future at this club. At the moment we must try and stay in the Premiership. After this season we will then talk about the next step," the 29-year-old Gaydamak said. On his part Mandaric said that the arrival of Gaydamak would usher in a new era at Pompey and take the club to the next level.

"It is an exciting and important day for our football club - there is now two of us instead of one," he trilled. "Alex is a tremendous young man with great enthusiasm for football and Portsmouth and it's a great pleasure to have him on board." In a measured barb at Chelsea's king, Mandaric said that sport was a serious business and they would treat it as such since they did not have "silly money" to throw around.

Alexandre also sought to reassure Pompey fans that the investigation into his father's business would have no bearing on his personal fortune, "There's no relationship between my father and Portsmouth. I don't need his money to do my own business," he said.

"It's my money, money I've made from 10 years of working. I was working in finance and real estate in Russia, that's my work." Portsmouth also unveiled new signing Benjani Mwaruwari from Auxerre, but Gaydamak was non-committal on what amount would be made available to Harry Redknapp, "I met Harry on Thursday and had a pleasant conversation but everything we do will be decided by the whole management," the Russian said. "We are discussing the transfer policy with the management.

You will see results in time." It is speculated that Harry Redknapp has made enquiries of Porto's South African striker Benni McCarthy and Dean Ashton of Norwich City. But any big names that are likely to pique the interest of Jose Mourinho have not yet come up for discussion.

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