Harry's game is not about Saints

Speculation has again been rife that chairman Rupert Lowe would replace his head coach in favour of a more experienced man following Saturday's 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace.

But the Daily Echo understands any such move is unlikely at the very least until after the game at Manchester United on Saturday.

Despite Harry Redknapp reportedly turning down the chance to take the managerial vacancy at Wolves, the former Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp was today also expected to play down speculation linking him with the Saints manager's job at a clear-the-air press conference with Frat- ton owner Milan Mandaric.

Over the past couple of days, rumours have persisted that Redknapp is set to take over at St Mary's, having previously interviewed for the post when Rupert Lowe chose to appoint Stuart Gray.

Redknapp's former assistant Jim Smith fanned the flames over the weekend, saying Pompey fans wanted Redknapp to take charge at Saints to keep him in the area.

But Redknapp is close friends with Wigley. He backed him after Saints beat Pompey a fortnight ago, saying how well he was coping, and will not say anything publicly to endanger that, especially while there is no official vacancy.

For his part Lowe, continues to remain tight-lipped but, behind the scenes, is understood still to be backing Wigley despite a haul of just five points from a possible 12 in a kind run of fixtures in November.

Wigley has himself admitted that loyalty doesn't last forever and results must improve for him to stay in the job in the long term.

However, he insists he is ignoring all the speculation about his future and handling the pressure that "goes with the job."

And he's confident he can lift the team out of their current troubles. He added: "I'm very hopeful with the players we've got we'll get out of this problem.

"The chairman's been fantastic and I could not ask for more support than I've had from him.

"I have a good relationship with him and that will continue."