Jackett: Portsmouth can cope without development squadÂ

Kenny Jackett has insisted a development squad won't be necessary if Pompey clinch promotion to the Championship.Â
Pompey boss Kenny Jackett. Picture: Joe PeplerPompey boss Kenny Jackett. Picture: Joe Pepler
Pompey boss Kenny Jackett. Picture: Joe Pepler

The boss believes sending fledgling talents out on loan can give them the right grounding in their bid to make a first-team breakthrough at Fratton Park. 

At present, there is no conduit between the Blues' academy and Jackett's senior set-up. 

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Pompey boss Kenny Jackett. Picture: Joe PeplerPompey boss Kenny Jackett. Picture: Joe Pepler
Pompey boss Kenny Jackett. Picture: Joe Pepler

Pompey currently sit top of League One and are on track to be playing in the Championship next term.

If promotion is yielded, it's unlikely a development squad will be introduced in time for the start of the campaign. 

Jackett isn't concerned if the Blues don't have an under-23 structure while operating in the second tier, however.

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The manager feels honing young pros down the football ladder can be just as successful.

'˜I think that we can cope and do it another way,' said Jackett, 

'˜One thing is an under-23s group but another one is to sign young pros and be able to put them out on loan. 

'˜The higher the club can go then the more scope there is below you to put them out on loan '“ that's a good thing.

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'˜It is what it is. I don't think there's a right way or a wrong way.

'˜You can be successful and produce players with an academy and with an under-23s group.

'˜But I also think as a club you need to be geared at it and geared at it properly.

'˜There's no point playing at it. If you're big enough to go and do it properly then that's fine.

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'˜There's no point doing it for the sake of it or making sure you're doing it just to tick a box.

'˜It's got to be a real commitment from the club, manager and the coaching staff for that route to work and be successful.

'˜I don't think there's a right way or a wrong way. It's about picking the system and doing it well.

'˜Each individual can be different at different clubs. It can be right for one club but not necessarily another. 

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'˜People talk about the Brentford model. They've been really strong but don't run a youth policy.

'˜Brentford and Brentford B have been very strong and they've been very shrewd.

'˜I don't think that's right for Portsmouth. The youth policy is important at Portsmouth for myself and Mark Catlin.

'˜But our own version is adapted to the club.'

Jackett highlighted how many of England's current squad spent time plying their trade outside the Premier League. 

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The likes of Harry Kane, Dele Alli, Harry Maguire and Jordan Pickford all had stints in League One.

The Pompey manager reckons getting youngsters out into first-team football is crucial for their development.

He added: '˜I think, personally, getting out on loan is a very good route.

'˜It's one that can not just help you football-wise but shape your attitude to doing the right things and having the right habits in the game.

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'˜People have done studies on the England players and looked where they have played and what they've done.

'˜Harry Kane, at under-18, was a sub for Leyton Orient in League One. 

'˜Dele Alli made his debut for MK Dons at 15 and played a lot of first-team games by the time he was 19.

'˜Harry Maguire was at Sheffield United year after year and they couldn't get out of League One.

'˜You can go on and on with the England boys.'

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