Milan Mandaric, Former Owner of Portsmouth, Leicester City, and Sheffield Wednesday, Dies at 87

The football world is in mourning today following the passing of Milan Mandaric, the charismatic businessman who left an indelible mark on several English clubs. Mandaric, who owned Portsmouth, Leicester City, and Sheffield Wednesday, died at the age of 87. His death was confirmed by his family, sending ripples of sadness through the communities he touched.

A Trailblazer in English Football Ownership

Milan Mandaric was not your typical football owner. He was a figure who brought a distinctive blend of ambition, passion, and at times, controversy, to the clubs he led. His journey in English football began in 1999 when he took over at Portsmouth, a club then struggling in the lower leagues. He injected much-needed capital and a fervent desire for success, famously declaring his intention to see Pompey reach the Premier League.

And reach it they did. Under Mandaric's stewardship, Portsmouth experienced a remarkable ascent. He appointed Harry Redknapp as manager, a partnership that would prove spectacularly fruitful. Together, they navigated the club from the third tier to the dizzying heights of the Premier League, culminating in a memorable FA Cup final appearance in 2010. It’s easy to forget the sheer joy and optimism that Mandaric brought to Fratton Park during those years. He was a man who dared to dream big, and for a significant period, he made those dreams a reality for the long-suffering Portsmouth fans.

From Portsmouth to Leicester City

Having achieved his ambitions with Portsmouth, Mandaric then turned his attention to the East Midlands, acquiring Leicester City in 2007. The Foxes were also in a period of transition, and Mandaric's arrival was met with a mixture of hope and trepidation. He continued his pattern of investing and aiming for promotion, but the success seen at Portsmouth proved more elusive at the King Power Stadium. Despite appointing several managers, including Sven-Göran Eriksson, the desired Premier League return didn't materialise under his ownership.

His time at Leicester was perhaps more turbulent than at Portsmouth. Financial challenges and a desire to sell the club eventually led to his departure. Yet, even during the tougher times, Mandaric’s commitment to the club was evident. He was a hands-on owner, often seen at matches, engaging with supporters, and projecting an image of someone deeply invested in the club's fortunes.

Sheffield Wednesday: A Final Chapter

Mandaric's final foray into English football ownership came at Sheffield Wednesday in 2010. The Owls, like Portsmouth and Leicester, were a club with a proud history yearning for a return to former glories. He inherited a club in League One and, once again, his ambition was clear: to guide Wednesday back to the Championship and beyond.

His tenure at Hillsborough was characterized by a similar pattern of managerial changes and a relentless pursuit of promotion. While he managed to secure promotion to the Championship in 2012, the ultimate goal of reaching the Premier League remained out of reach. Mandaric eventually sold his stake in the club in 2014, bringing his eventful ownership spell to a close.

A Legacy of Ambition and Investment

Milan Mandaric’s impact on English football is undeniable. He was a foreign investor who, for a time, breathed life into clubs that had perhaps lost their way. He wasn't afraid to spend, and he wasn't afraid to set ambitious targets. For the fans of Portsmouth and Leicester City, in particular, he provided moments of genuine excitement and success that will be cherished for years to come.

He was often described as a man of great charm and conviction. His pronouncements were usually bold, and his belief in his clubs was unwavering. Of course, not all his decisions were met with universal approval, and the financial realities of football ownership are always a challenging tightrope to walk. However, it’s hard to argue with the fact that he consistently invested significant resources and energy into the clubs he owned.

His journey through English football mirrors the often-turbulent nature of the sport itself. There were highs and lows, triumphs and setbacks. But through it all, Milan Mandaric remained a prominent and recognizable figure, a man who genuinely loved the game and sought to make his mark upon it. His passing marks the end of an era for the clubs he served and leaves a void in the landscape of English football ownership. He will be remembered for his unwavering ambition and the passion he brought to the beautiful game.

Mandaric's business acumen extended beyond football, with significant interests in manufacturing and other sectors. However, it was his ventures into football that captured the public imagination. He was a man who understood the power of a football club to unite a community, and he certainly tapped into that during his time at the helm of these historic English institutions. His legacy is one of a man who dared to dream, invested heavily, and left an indelible, if sometimes complex, imprint on the clubs he championed.