Steve Bruce will step straight back into management within the next week after finally walking out on Sheffield United yesterday and a job he described as untenable. Barnsley and Huddersfield head the race to snap up his services. Portsmouth manager Alan Ball has pledged to bring success to Fratton Park after Serbian millionaire Milan Mandaric was yesterday unveiled as the new owner of the club.

Mandaric heads a consortium, including former Portsmouth vice-chairman David Deacon and ex-Arsenal defender Bob McNab, who have paid £4.5 million to take over at Fratton Park.

Willem Korsten yesterday set about a left-wing battle with dual player of the year David Ginola after joining Tottenham for £1.5 million.

Korsten has signed a four-year contract within weeks of snubbing Leeds for reasons he now admits for the first time are "personal and more than just financial."