Kenny Jackett, Portsmouth and a sensational record which beggars belief

Kenny Jackett was taken back by his own outstanding knockout pedigree as he brought up his 30th cup win as Pompey manager.
Kenny JackettKenny Jackett
Kenny Jackett

The Blues boss hit that incredible landmark with Saturday’s extra-time victory over Ipswich in the FA Cup.

The huge figure has been hit by Jackett in three months over three years, after carving out success in all of the domestic competitions.

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Pompey have reached Wembley twice in the EFL Trophy as well as runs to the fourth and fifth rounds in the famous, old competition.

Jackett has continually fielded strong teams when moving away from league action, since succeeding Paul Cook as boss.

He felt the way the fixtures fell helped him to do so on this occasion, although the extent of his cup success surprised the Blues manager.

Jackett said: ‘Wow, that is terrific.

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‘This week it fell for us with the Plymouth game being put back a couple of days and then nearly two weeks’ break. I felt there were players who needed to play.’

There continues to be debate surrounding the impact cup runs have on fatiguing the Pompey squad, as the fixture schedule becomes congested.

Ipswich’s mindset was clear, as the team who sit second in the table made nine changes from the side who lost 2-1 at Sunderland on Tuesday.

Jackett acknowledged that was the case, but felt what unfolded at Portman Road on Saturday was a clear indication both sides were going at it full throttle in an effort to progress to the next round.

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He said: ‘There’s sometimes decisions in terms of personnel but on the day everyone wants to win - Ipswich did and we did.

‘Let’s be fair, it was a very good Cup tie and we did the Cup justice, both sides did.

‘Neither side took their foot off the gas and the performances of both teams did the competition justice. I thought you saw that from both teams.’

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