Joe Gallen admits Kenny Jackett's Portsmouth appearance today took him by surprise
The Pompey boss was expected to be away from the first-team set-up for around two weeks as he required ‘rest and recuperation’ following a medical procedure on Thursday.
Gallen was under that impression, too, as he took temporary charge of the Blackpool fixture at PO4.
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Hide AdSo he was surprised as anyone inside Fratton as the manager appeared before kick-off to watch the same from behind the dugout.
The boss will not have liked what he witnessed as the hosts slumped to a second consecutive defeat and their fourth in seven outings.
It’s a result which leaves Pompey fifth in the table and seven points outside the automatic promotion places.
SEE ALSO: Gallen admits Pompey’s promotion bid is faltering off the back of a lack of attacking creativity
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Hide AdHowever, Gallen admitted at least something positive came from the game – proof that the manager is well after a 'successful’ operation.
When asked how Jackett was, Gallen told BBC Solent: ‘He’s just the normal, same Kenny, really.
‘He done amazing to have an operation like that on Thursday and then to be here today, which was a a bit of a surprise as I hadn’t spoken to him since Wednesday or Thursday.
‘So for him to come back, it takes a lot to keep Kenny away from this football club.
‘I’m very surprised but very, very pleased to see him.
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Hide Ad‘Obviously, his operation has been successful, he looks absolutely fine, he’s just normal Kenny and I did say he would be back sooner rather than later.
‘But even I didn’t think it would be this quick.’
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