Who is Zajac?

[Carlos]

Who is Velimir Zajac, the new manager of Portsmouth? Is he well known in Croatia?

[Medo]

Technically, he is not the manager (maybe not yet).

He is director of football / executive director at Portsmouth.

He came from Panathinaikos where he was also director of football.

Former Dinamo captain, nickname Zeko.
Zajec was a Dinamo player from 1974 to 1984 winning one Championship (1982) and 2 Cups (1980 & 1983).

He also won 2 Cups with Panathinaikos in 1985/86 and 1987/88 for whom he played from 1984 to 1988.

Zajec also won 57 caps for Yugoslavia, and captained Yugoslavia at the 1982 World Cup and the 1984 European Championships.

Coached Dinamo and Panathinaikos.

There are also rumours about Robert Prosinecki joining Portsmouth in some capacity

[Carlos]

Thanks Medo. It seems that Zeko is better than I thought!

[LesT]

It semms that Zajec id doing well at Pompey. Another victory yesterday!

[Nick]

Portsmouth have unveiled Croatian Velimir Zajec as the club's new manager.

Zajec has been in temporary charge of the club for the last five games alongside first team coach Joe Jordan following Harry Redknapp's shock departure.

Pompey chairman Milan Mandaric confirmed the appointment of Zajec at a press conference on Tuesday.

"I'm very happy to inform you that Velimir is accepting the role of manager of the club," said Mandaric.

"It took a little time to negotiate because, as you know, this wasn't the role he was taking when he joined the club.

"Velimir brings tremendous knowledge of the game. He knows the players. We're lucky to have this man on board."

Mandaric confirmed Zajec has penned a three-year contract and that assistant coach Jordan will remain in his current post.

"Velimir has signed a three-and-a-half year deal. This year, plus three years," he added.

"Joe has a contract until the end of the season, but we'll discuss a new deal with him shortly."

Zajec is well aware of the stature of The Premiership and is delighted to accept his new role within the club.

"I'm just a soldier. I accept every job they give me," said Zajec. ''It's normal that I've accepted. We'll see how long it lasts.

"Because of the situation that we are in, I've accepted this job. I'm just going to continue how things have been going with Joe.

"It's very helpful (working with Jordan). Together we can make a lot of things. I hope we will continue to get results.

"We have a good squad and good character. This is important. They have shown that they can be disciplined.

"The Premiership is something else. I'm happy I can work here.

"I don't think we'll make too many changes in January. The summer is the big window to make changes.

"I hope I can finish my contract here. It's nice to work here. My message is we'll try our best.

"We'll do all we can to make the team better. For sure, for me, the organisation of the club is very important.

"We don't need any more people at the moment. I'm happy with the players, as they have followed our direction."

Source: Sky Sports Online