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Milan Mandaric: A fourth English club? Never say never

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 08:  Milan Mandaric arrives at Southwark Crown Court on February 8, 2012 in London, England. Football manager Harry Redknapp and
Image: Milan Mandaric: Has bought and sold three English clubs

Milan Mandaric has told Sky Sports News HQ he will not rule out buying into a fourth English club.

The Serbian-American sold up at Sheffield Wednesday earlier this year, officially handing over to Thai businessman Dejphon Chansiri at the start of March.

Mandaric bought and sold Portsmouth and Leicester before arriving at Hillsborough in late 2010 with Wednesday in financial trouble, and four years on the 76-year-old recognised Chansiri was better-placed to deliver Premier League football for the first time since 2000.

Asked if Wednesday would be his last stop in England, he said: "Right now I need to get through the strange feeling on Saturday when three o'clock comes, but I need some rest.

"I've enjoyed my time in English football and I love all three clubs. Sheffield Wednesday will stay with me in a very, very special part of my heart, the same as Portsmouth, but you can never say never. I love the game, and we'll see what happens."

Chansiri has set a target of promotion in time for Wednesday's 150th anniversary in 2017, and Mandaric is convinced that is a realistic aim.

Sheffield Wednesday will stay with me in a very, very special part of my heart, the same as Portsmouth, but you can never say never. I love the game, and we'll see what happens.
Milan Mandaric

He said: "Why not? You can see other clubs can do it, he can do it here. He's very determined and committed, he's got financial backing and good people on and off the field. With some additional improvements it's very much possible.

"I'm very, very proud of what I've done here during my four years. Mainly we've developed a tremendous relationship with our supporters and leave a club in good shape.

"We've brought a good owner who will accelerate our programme to go forward. It's a special club, and my relationship with the club and supporters is going to stay with me for a long time.

"One of my major missions was to bring the proper people. This club needs to go to the Premier League, needs a lot of improvements, needs to be accelerated and Mr Chansiri will definitely deliver that."

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