Kenny Jackett reveals impact pandemic's had on Portsmouth recruitment

And the Blues boss feels having some of his staff placed on furlough leave at full pay will not hinder any of those plans moving forward.

Jackett has outlined how squad planning is still taking place, despite the uncertainty which the English games currently finds itself in after the Covid-19 outbreak.

Pompey last week put their players and all but essential staff on furlough at full pay, as they took advantage of the government support available to businesses.

That applies to members of Jackett’s first-team set-up, although there are a number of his staff who continue to work.

With targets to focus on as well as the futures of the eight out-of-contract players and four loanees to consider, there’s plenty of work to focus on.

Jackett said: ‘We understand in terms of the furlough situation.

‘Myself and the players were kept informed by the board of directors. We understand the overall situation and the ramifications of it.

‘I’m one of quite a few people non-furloughed because they are still working, whatever work looks like to them at the moment

‘There’s certainly planning ahead.

‘We’re working off our own contractual situations and as times goes on there’s two things we’re all looking at.

‘One is when it’s all likely to start and then, two, contracts running out on June 30 and how that affects you.

‘There aren’t any answers on the first one. We talk about the situation a lot but there’s no answers.

‘But there’s planning, being aware of the market, watching players on video. That’s all a part of it and we can 100 per cent do that.

‘It’s not like we can move for a player at this moment but we’ve kept working, looking at who’s around and who’s out of contract.’

Pompey are still focussing on keeping their players fit, despite not having a return date to plan towards at present.

That’s being attacked in a number of different ways as they remain at home.

Jackett added: ‘We’re discussing situations, the overall situation and what’s best for our players individually.

‘It’s about trying to keep them ready.

‘I do believe in contact with the players and I believe in that even if we’re not seeing each other on a daily basis.

‘(Head physio) Bobby Bacic is the person I’ve spoken to more than anyone since the start of this, as you would expect. He’s up to date on the situation.

‘The main thing is running and then what equipment is available in the house.

‘We’ve been able to order bits of equipment. Then you’re off and running with keeping fit.

‘Although there isn’t the actual contact there, I have the scope to support the players.

‘As ever, it channels through the manager and then the staff to advise me. I’m using that contact to do our best by the players. That’s the main drive of any football club.’