HARRY REDKNAPP has predicted Velimir Zajec could soon be "history" from Fratton Park - but is backing new boss Alain Perrin to keep Pompey in the Premiership.

The Saints manager said he had no animosity towards anyone at Pompey and urged all concerned to "show a bit of class" and "get on with life".

But as he introduced Frenchman Perrin yesterday, chairman Milan Mandaric harked back to the events leading to Redknapp's controversial departure from Pompey, saying: "If I have any regrets, I should have done it sooner."

With Saints rapidly catching Pompey under Zajec in recent weeks, Redknapp's son, Jamie, responded: "Milan said he wished he had done it earlier bringing Zajec in - and we wish he had done."

Redknapp decided to quit Pompey in November following the arrival of Zajec - but even a week later Mandaric was STILL saying he wished the ex-Bournemouth and West Ham manager would return.

Redknapp, who returns to Fratton Park for the crunch Premiership derby in 16 days time, is one of Pompey's most successful managers, transforming them from the lower end of the old First Division to a mid-table force in the Premiership.

Mandaric's decision to bring in Perrin with David Pleat working alongside him has surprised many.

While Pleat is expected to help Perrin on matters relating to English teams and players, Zajec will have responsibility for overseas recruitment - in essence, the new manager appears to have TWO directors of football.

Asked if he thought it was odd that Pompey should opt for a manager with no Premiership experience, Saints boss Redknapp said: "Lots of odd things happen, that's their decision and it's up to them.

"Zajec was going to oversee the whole thing, he was going to be responsible for all football matters, he was going to open the academy, the management team was ten times better than the previous management team and then suddenly I think you'll find in a month or two he's probably history.

"He's going to go back to where he came from and do some scouting or something.

"I just think we should get on with life, show a bit of class. I've got no animosity to Portsmouth in any shape or form. I enjoyed my time there and I enjoy myself here.

"I'm not one of those people who spends their whole life feeling jealousy or negative thoughts against anybody. Life goes on, life's too short.

"The supporters there were absolutely fantastic - unbelievable. I did a fantastic job and anyone with any sense knows that.

"I've moved on, it was my decision and I want to do a great job at Southampton. I'm loving every minute here. I wish him (Alain Perrin) all the best. Pleaty has gone in, he knows the game and I wish them the best."

Pompey are now just four points off the drop zone having lost eight of their last ten matches, but Redknapp believes they will avoid the drop.

He added: "In my opinion Portsmouth have got enough quality to stay up. They have got four terrific forwards who have all got pace and are dangerous.

"They have got four extra points and I still think they will be safe. I'm very confident they have got the players to stay up.

"They were much the better team in the first-half against Fulham (last Sunday) and showed enough to say they can stay up."