How the salary cap can avoid fractures in the Portsmouth dressing room this season

But Pompey’s relative lack of activity in the market amid the constraints of the new salary and squad restrictions, has not been without consideration.

With 22 players over the age of 21 the new limit voted in by lower-league clubs and Pompey already within reach of that limit, Kenny Jackett has waited to do his business.

His assistant, Joe Gallen, has heard the supporter discontent, but believes there are areas to embrace surrounding the constraints his club are now working under.

And his focus is firmly on the issue of squad management.

SEE ALSO: Why Pompey players are embracing a wage cap which threatens their future earning power

As has been seen in the recent past, Pompey will not be leaving players in the South Stand when Jackett makes his matchday selection.

When those omissions have become extended, there’s been a natural dip in morale for the staff to contend with.

But not anymore.

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As has become abundantly clear through pre-season and the early start to competitive action, all the senior players are now firmly involved - and some academy prospects, too.

Gallen noted how that’s made for a closer feel among the first-team set-up.

He said: ‘If you do have an extremely large squad, you pick an XI and subs and there’s four, five or six pros left out that can be a little bit negative on a daily basis.

‘The group can be taken down a level in terms of enthusiasm and positivity.

‘At the moment there’s an XI being picked, and every other pro will be sub knowing they’re next on or if there’s an injury they’re in.

‘If someone picks up a suspension or is fatigued they’re in straightaway, and that can lend itself to a better team spirit and a group which is more together and tighter-knit.

‘I know supporters want new players and we’ll get them, although not that many, but that’s a genuine point.’

Pompey will put a unbeaten home league record on the line which now stretches 19 months, when they return to League One action against Shrewsbury next weekend.

It marks the start of four Fratton fixtures from the first six league games, which offer the opportunity to harvest a healthy points return.

With a slow start proving so costly last term, it’s a chance to right those wrongs as the Blues aim to make it out of the third tier at the fourth attempt.

‘I’ve had a look at the fixtures,’ explained Gallen. ‘My focus has been on the first five or six with us starting at home.

‘We’ll be ahead of the game in terms of home games at the start, and we’ve got Wigan coming early on. That’s what I’ve been looking at.

‘We’re looking for a quick start but it’s that Shrewsbury game we’ve really got out eyes on, and we’re going to need to play well.

‘Our home form in the league over the last couple of seasons has been so good.

‘We’re confident we can play well at home and we’re confident we can win at home - but we know we have to play well to do that.’

With Pompey delivering record-breaking form since the turn of the year and results generally impressive before the season curtailed, Gallen is viewing the new campaign as a chance to continue good habits.

There’s not been the turnover of players which also unsettled things last term, with Jackett’s No2 believing the squad are ready to answer the demands of the Fratton faithful.

He added: ‘I don’t see why we can’t get a good return.

‘We’ve got a settled group and we’ve got a settled team.

‘It’s not that different from last season really, so, from that point of view, we’ve just had four weeks off and come back into training.

‘Things have moved forward fluidly and we’re in a healthy spot in terms of fitness, the team and the group.‘We’re pleased and we feel ready.’

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