Kevin Keegan has dampened excited claims about him working at a smaller club with lesser resources even though he has had a troubled managerial career.
Keegan said "I love big club football at clubs with a long and distinguished heritage and where you can be proud to put the shirt on."
It comes as a blow at a time when a takeover is ongoing but Peter Storrie tried to hide his disappointment at Keegan's remarks.
"We haven't made an official approach at Portsmouth and it seems our intentions were leaked to Kevin. Clearly had we realised he might be in discussions with a much bigger club like Southampton we would not have bothered approaching Kevin."
"I know i speak for all in Portsmouth when i say a big club like Southampton should have a big manager like Kevin and it is an impressive partnership which will hopefully be very successful. Meanwhile we will keep talking to our dubious potential owners, try and stop our players leaving and try to find someone willing to manage us."
http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/606/A53394195