Kenny Jackett speaks out on his Portsmouth future and new contract

The Blues boss explained he’s not seeking discussions over a new deal, as he prepares to enter the final six months of his existing agreement.

The demand will be for Jackett to deliver Championship this season, with the expectation failure to do so will lead to him leaving next summer.

Pompey find themselves in a sturdy position a third of the way into the season, however, with their campaign fast gathering pace after a weak opening.

Jackett signed a two-year extension to his initial agreement five months after his arrival in 2017, taking his deal until next June.

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The 58-year-old knows the call over what happens to him is out of his hands, and stated he’s happy to focus on delivering the results which would strengthen his position over new terms.

Jackett said: ‘The details of my contract are personal, but in terms of myself I’m committed to the job and committed to the club.

‘Portsmouth is a fantastic club, but it’s the board of directors and their decisions which shape the club.

‘In terms of myself, though, I’m committed to the job and I want to fight to make this season a success.

‘We’re around about a third of the way through the season and we feel there’s some optimism in it - we want to try to maximise that.

‘It’s a very busy period with a lot of points to play for and it’s an exciting time.

‘In terms of management, you need to look short term. There’s always a game around the corner and you’re concentrating on that.

‘There’s plenty to do and that’s what takes up my thoughts and energy - that’s the important thing.

‘You can’t really look too far ahead and take your eye off the ball.

‘In terms of upcoming windows and contracts which are coming up at the end of the season there are areas we feel need strengthening. That’s not just the playing staff, it could be the coaching staff, training ground or any aspect of the club.

‘They are the continual discussions of the job (not his future).

‘But in terms of myself, it’s a privilege to be a manager and it’s a privilege to be at Portsmouth.

‘I always look at it that way. It’s a privilege to be a manager at any club, but it definitely is at a big club like Portsmouth.

‘You want to be successful and my determination is there to be successful, but I never underestimate the privileged position I’m in here.

‘That’s the basis I’m taking it on.’

Jackett told how he is maintaining regular contact with Michael Eisner and the rest of the Pompey board as the season continues.

But his own future isn’t forming part of the discussions taking place at present.

He said: ‘I have a very clear and good relationship with the board of directors over my contract. The discussion is on this season, on the job and achieving.

‘The board of directors have done very well through the Covid times to stay solid and to keep the club running as efficiently as they have.

‘That’s starting to come to an end now and maybe a vaccine for the virus gives some optimism for 2021.

‘All of their work has been considerable. In terms of myself and my dialogue it’s all been on the job at hand, the playing squad and looking to the next window.

‘Really that’s the big-picture thinking and there’s a number of conversations about day-to-day matters. It’s all on the job, both short and long term.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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