Kenny Jackett predicts bigger things from Sean Raggett following permanent move from Norwich

Kenny Jackett has backed Sean Raggett to give Pompey the best years of his career.
Pompey defender Sean RaggettPompey defender Sean Raggett
Pompey defender Sean Raggett

The defender put pen to paper on a two-year deal at Fratton Park earlier this month, after spending last season on loan from Norwich.

He represents the Blues’ only bit of business so far in the current transfer window, with Jackett snapping him up on a free transfer following his Canaries release.

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Pompey saw off competition from elsewhere to land the centre-half, who largely impressed during his maiden campaign on the south coast.

The 26-year-old’s PO4 career proved a bit of a slow-burner as he struggled to overcome a previous ankle injury picked up while on loan at Rotherham in January 2019.

He soon settled into the heart of the Pompey defence, however, alongside Christian Burgess and eventually racked up 38 appearances as he became a key member of the team.

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That progress prompted Jackett to make Raggett’s loan move permanent.

And as the defender settles back into the club, with the news season set to start on Saturday, September 5, the manager is predicting even more from his newest recruit in a Pompey shirt.

Jackett said: ‘Sean grew as the season went on.

‘He started a little bit slow, which was understandable given the injury he’d had, and I think he’s got more improvement in him now over the next couple of seasons.

‘I think he will continue to go from strength to strength.

‘We’ve had Sean on our radar for quite a while and his injury at Rotheram allowed us to get him.

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‘He improved as the season went on and I’m pretty sure there is more development and improvement in him as well.

‘Everybody in League One will want that chance to be able to prove themselves in the Championship and hopefully he can do that with us.’

Pompey fans will get an insight into who might partner Raggett in the centre of defence during today’s pre-season friendly against Norwich under-23s.

With Christian Burgess now plying his trade in Belgium, an opportunity has emerged in the Blues’ back line alongside the summer arrival.

Jack Whatmough and Paul Downing are current options available to Jackett, while Tom Naylor and James Bolton both operated at centre-back at times during the previous campaign.

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