Harry stressed that the world cup winner’s role will not include team selection: “He has got a lot to offer in terms of organisation and on the medical and fitness side…when it comes to picking the team and the players that’s my job. If anyone interferes with that then that is the end of me for sure – but there are other sides of the club he will look at.”
Given his departure from Pompey shortly after the arrival of director of football, Zajec, this is clearly an area Harry feels strongly about and should be taken as a public warning over the nature of his role.
With Saints’ seemingly endless injury problems last season and tendency to fade towards the end of games, help on the medical and fitness side would be welcome, particularly with a likely reduced squad and the additional games played in the Championship.
One thing the arrival of Sir Clive Woodward will ensure, is a high media profile for the Saints. With two libel actions by Rupert Lowe in progress, no doubt many sections of the press will be waiting for the first signs of discontent to suggest dark forces behind the scenes. Harry’s openness and experience in dealing with the media will be a great help in trying to repair the club’s fragile relationship with the press.