Gaffer: Play-offs epitomised Portsmouth's season - now thorough rebuild needed
and live on Freeview channel 276
Can you sum up your emotions after that?
We just weren’t good enough. It was the epitome of our season – we weren’t good enough in the league or in the play-offs.
When were turn up and all 11 players are on their game, we are an outstanding side but over these two games too many people have been anonymous.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThey were two very poor play-off games and a massive missed opportunity because next season League One is going to be so difficult.
Did it feel like déjà vu from the first leg after taking the lead?
It’s criminal we went ahead in both games but didn’t consolidate that.
We scored and I don't know whether it’s panic or through instructions, but instead of going for the second, we try to defend that one goal for a period.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdAlex Bass and Ellis Harrison were all over each other for Oxford’s goal. Bass has got to go through everyone to get it – that's his job.
Bottom line is they were two poor games and Oxford won the penalties.
Different referees, we would have had two penalties at Fratton Park and two Oxford players should have been sent off last night.
However, that’s no excuse as we weren’t good enough.
Who was your man of the match?
Sean Raggett was as solid as ever. He looked really comfortable on the ball when he was outside the back line.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdRyan Williams also had a great game, especially in the first half. I just wish someone would gamble and go across the near post when he puts balls across.
It was between those two.
Is Kenny Jackett the right man to take Pompey forward?
The Eisners have got to look at it and have a conversation with Jackett and Mark Catlin.
The answer is if we didn't have Kenny Jackett, who else do you get in that has the knowledge and players he has?
What we need to do is let this settle down then let the Eisners sit down with Jackett and say: “why should you keep your job?”
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdI’d put it back on Jackett and say: “you’ve been criticised for the way you play but get results, so what are you going to do?”
The Eisners have been quite conservative so I’d be surprised if Jackett is sacked in the next few days, but that's not to say it won't happen in a few weeks.
I like a lot of what Jackett does, how he talks and how we play at times. What I don’t like is going ahead and trying to consolidate. We need a killer instinct.
Where do Pompey need to recruit this summer?
We obviously need to replace Christian Burgess, who's been fantastic on and off the field.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdIf we can pick up Sean Raggett then great because I don't think Norwich will offer him an extension.
I don't think we will go for Cameron McGeehan and I don't know what he adds to our team.
We have two very good keepers, but have a few players like Gareth Evans who have come to the end of their time purely because they’ve been around so long.
I think we’ve got to build on solid foundations at the back. It’s quite a thorough rebuild needed.
Mark’s Pompey ratings
Alex Bass – 6
James Bolton – 5
Christian Burgess - 6
Sean Raggett – 7
Steve Seddon (Lee Brown – 5) – 5
Cameron McGeehan – 5
Bryn Morris – 5
Ryan Williams – 7
Marcus Harness (Andy Cannon – 5) – 6
Ronan Curtis – 5
Ellis Harrison (John Marquis – 5) – 6
Comment Guidelines
National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.