June 2 2004

Dowie pondering life in the Premiership

Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp has urged his good mate Iain Dowie to buy older, proven Premiership players.

Redknapp signed Dowie for West Ham from Palace in 1995, and said he could see the striker would one day make it as a manager.

And with Pompey beating all odds to survive the Premiership last season, Redknapp is perfect for some managerial advice, should Dowie ask for it.

"I signed Iain when I was at West Ham and he never let me down," said Redknapp. "I could tell then he would go on to do well as a manager - he certainly showed all the right ingredients for the job.

"At Upton Park, he was respected by the other players. Because of that, he acted as a great link between the management and dressing room. It helped harmonise the entire club."

Redknapp added: "I am delighted for Iain. I have always claimed there are a number of good, young British coaches out there, who have not been given credit or a chance.

"It will be hard for him next season. The only real piece of advice I can offer him is to try to get in a few older, proven Premiership players.

"Sure, they will want decent wages but at least that can be offset by the lack of a price tag. We made it an art form at Portsmouth last season."