Kenny Jackett gives insight into avoiding Portsmouth sack and challenge of delivering promotion at fourth attempt

The Pompey boss has reaffirmed his conviction the second tier is within his side’s grasp at the third time asking, after the board kept faith in him after two play-off disappointments.

The News understands Jackett privately feared for his future after the gut-wrenching semi-final loss to Oxford United in July.

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But Michael Eisner chose to stick with the 58-year-old and has seen him oversee a promising start to the season, with the Blues entering 2021 in the automatic promotion berths.

Jackett is appreciative of that continued backing as Pompey look to navigate the perils of the coronavirus pandemic and build on the platform they’ve given themselves.

He said: ‘It’s a privileged position I’m in, obviously, and each board of directors will do what they think is right for their club. Rightly so.

‘From my view I didn’t feel we were far away and did feel we could crack it by trying to improve and the level of improvement.

‘If we could find small levels of improvement I felt that could be the difference, so my concentration was on that.

‘Being a manager of a stature of Portsmouth is a big one.

‘It’s a major club and in the country, whatever division it’s in. It’s one of the big clubs. It’s a privilege to be sat where I am.

‘I always felt we weren’t far away, but they can be the most frustrating situations when you’re close but can’t quite get over the line.

‘I did feel if our players found top form we could go from play-offs side to potential Championship side. I do think that’s within our grasp.

‘We’ve had a good first half and we’ve built up nicely. We’ve earned the right to look forward now.

‘We can look forward to the challenge ahead. There is a challenge and some tough games to look forward to.

‘We’ve earned the right to challenge and now look forward with optimism to the challenge of gaining promotion.’

Jackett explained he’s pleased with how his players have responded to the disappointment of missing out on the play-offs after last season’s curtailment.

Pompey had a shaky start but have picked up considerably to end the calendar year as League One’s most consistent side - and the fifth most consistent side in the country.

Jackett added: ‘Nobody could see 12 months ago what would happen.

‘There was some disappointment, the Oxford games, when we had the lead both times and ended up getting knocked on a penalty shootout.

‘Credit to the players, they didn’t really have too much of a hangover I thought and have continued to be consistent and do well.

‘For the vast majority it’s been the same players who were here, we haven’t had many new faces. It’s been the same players.

‘They got over the disappointment and made a good fist of the first half of the season.

‘Our players have retained their hunger and kept improving.’

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