Mention the name Milan Mandarić, and most English football fans will instantly recognise it. As a Serbian-American businessman, Mandarić left an undeniable mark as the Portsmouth owner, Leicester City chairman, and Sheffield Wednesday chief. His journey through the colourful landscape of English football is filled with dramatic highs, takeover news, and the constant debate around club financesaking Waves in English Football
When Mandarić arrived on the English football scene in the late 1990s, he brought not just his business know-how but also a sense of ambition rarely seen among club investors at the time. With his background in manufacturing and technology, Mandarić didn’t hesitate to dive into challenging situations.
His reputation grew quickly. Sometimes he made headlines for the right reasons, and other times his decisions divided fans. Mandarić’s hands-on style often delivered major on-field successes. However, it could also spark controversy, especially when he changed club management frequently or raised questions about spending.
Portsmouth, Leicester City, and Sheffield Wednesday: A Club-by-Club Legacy
Let’s start with Portsmouth, where Mandarić began his English club ownership in 1998. Under his leadership, and with Harry Redknapp as manager, Pompey climbed to the Premier League in 2003—a moment that continues to live long in the club’s history. For many fans, Mandarić’s era marks a turning point since he injected fresh life and hope into Fratton Park.
In 2006, Mandarić decided to sell Portsmouth and turned his attention toward Leicester City, stepping in as chairman. Although the Foxes faced some turbulent times, including an unexpected drop into League One—the club’s first-ever trip to the third tier—supporters soon saw a remarkable comeback. Leicester wasted no time bouncing back by securing the League One title in the following season.
By 2010, Mandarić took another bold step and acquired Sheffield Wednesday. His time at Hillsborough led Wednesday to promotion to the Championship. Nevertheless, the financial challenges and occasional unrest off the pitch eventually convinced Mandarić to sell up in 2015.
A Legacy of Takeovers, Troubles, and Triumphs
Whenever fans or pundits discuss Mandarić, the conversation usually circles back to club finances and takeover news. Mandarić had a unique approach: he sought out clubs in financial crisis, steered them to safer ground, and often sold them for a profit. This strategy drew mixed reactions. Some fans thank him for rescuing their clubs, while others highlight the instability that sometimes followed his departures.
Notably, Mandarić explained many times that his motivation came from a deep love for football. He frequently insisted that his main goal involved leaving every club better off than when he arrived. In many cases, he achieved this—at least for the short term.
Key Milestones in Milan Mandarić’s English Football Career
- 1998: Becomes Portsmouth owner
- 2003: Guides Portsmouth to Premier League promotion
- 2006: Sells Portsmouth and takes over as Leicester City chairman
- 2008: Experiences Leicester City relegation to League One
- 2009: Sees Leicester City return instantly as League One title winners
- 2010: Leaves Leicester and acquires Sheffield Wednesday
- 2012: Achieves Championship promotion with Sheffield Wednesday
- 2015: Sells his interest in Sheffield Wednesday
To learn more about Milan Mandarić’s journey and his influence over English clubs, you can read this BBC Sport profile on Mandarić’s club ownership history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which English clubs has Milan Mandarić owned or led?
Mandarić bought, ran, and eventually sold Portsmouth, Leicester City, and Sheffield Wednesday during his years as an English football investor.
What kind of legacy does Mandarić leave in the UK?
Depending on who you ask, Mandarić stands out as a risk-taker who pulled clubs up by their bootstraps and delivered unforgettable moments, such as Portsmouth’s Premier League history and Leicester’s quick return from relegation. On the other hand, some remember the turbulence—especially with managerial changes and off-pitch uncertainty.
What is Milan Mandarić doing now?
After his time in England, Mandarić moved on and worked with clubs elsewhere in Europe, including Olimpija Ljubljana in Slovenia and NS Mura. Currently, he is no longer involved in UK club ownership or management.
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