Have Portsmouth's disruptive influences gone, is promotion anyone's, has Kenny Jackett made selection errors? - Your questions answered

Q. Jackett showed his ruthless streak again on Saturday with his half-time substitutions. Is that a good thing or does it impact on relations? Also, does it prove he got his tactics wrong in terms of his starting XI?

David Owen

A regular criticism thrown at all managers, at most clubs across the country, is a lack of a Plan B.

We’ve heard it at Pompey under many different regimes, while Sunderland fans accused Phil Parkinson of it following their defeat to the Blues in October.

Well, Kenny Jackett made substitutions at half-time against Plymouth and Crewe – in the same week. On both occasions, it improved the team’s performance considerably.

He was brave enough to make tactical and personnel changes, so should be applauded.

Of course, on the flip side of that, Jackett’s initial team selection can be questioned.

Looking at Crewe, he went with Cam Pring as Lee Brown had only just returned from his hamstring injury. With Haji Mnoga’s selection, many were delighted with that decision.

However, Pompey’s boss had the nerve to switch things at half-time. If it upsets players so-be-it, there’s nothing for them to be angry about, that’s how it works for the sake of the team.

Although Gareth Evans being substituted as the substitute at Blackpool last season caused damage! It represents a massive insult for any player. A complete no, no.

Q. There appears to be a bit more camaraderie among the players at the moment, more team spirit. Is that a result of current good form or Jackett's ability to get rid of disruptive influences within the changing room?

Shelley Morrison

It’s a little difficult to answer at present as we have not been around the training ground since March.

During such visits, you can gauge who are the characters, what team morale is like, who’s unhappy after being dropped. Plenty can be read in body language.

Of course, winning boosts morale more than anything else. However, the likes of Lee Brown and Ellis Harrison are big characters and very popular. Every dressing room needs people like that.

In Tom Naylor, he is a more natural captain than Brett Pitman. In addition, he’s a popular and massively respected member of the squad. Fans weren’t the only ones shocked at his play-off elimination.

Onto Pitman again, the manager regarded him as a disruptive influence, hence his exile. However, he won’t publicly raise this issue.

Whether Pitman actually was or not, only the players can truly answer. But I understand some were not happy with his presence.

Q. Why is Tom Naylor all of a sudden scoring goals? Is it simply down to the new formation Kenny Jackett is deploying in recent games?

Steve Forsythe

There is a bit of a myth about Jackett’s teams and goals. The truth is, Pompey under him have always scored goals.

Last season they were the fourth-highest scorers in League One. In 2018-19, no team scored more outside the Premier League (in all competitions).

He also averages 1.6 goals scored a game – in the right net before anyone says it!

So goals have been there. It’s just that we’re seeing a sudden flurry following a dry start to the season.

Scoring four goals on three occasions in the last 10 League One fixtures is tremendously impressive.

Having said all that, the new formation (as you rightly pointed out) has been a revelation, bringing out the best in so many of these players.

So the short answer to your question is I believe League One’s leading scorers are that way because of the 4-4-2 system – but goal potential has always been there.

Q. No-one in this league is special. On your day anyone can beat anyone. Just put a run together and keep it going. Loads of clubs can get in the top two. So why not Pompey?

Alan Ray.

It’s difficult for me to accurately claim at present that no-one in this league is special. Simply because Pompey have faced just 13 of the clubs in League One so far.

Certainly Peterborough were my pre-season favourites, while Hull currently lead the table following an excellent start. But we have yet to see either in the flesh.

Peterborough against Pompey at London Road was the best display from a team I witnessed last term. Although they didn’t even get into the play-offs following the season’s curtailment.

Still, I agree with your sentiment. The top three have lost 10 games between them already, that is a massive amount after 12-13 fixtures.

Already the early indications are that it will be a tight League One and it’s wide open.

I suppose eventually it will thin out. But at present nobody is running away with it, leaving the automatic promotion spots wide open.

Pompey, who I have said since the start of the season will reach the play-offs, have to be considered as they will surely be among that top-six pack.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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