Kenny Jackett: Why ex-Watford, Spurs and Leeds coach Nigel Gibbs is ideal fit for Portsmouth at present

Kenny Jackett believes Nigel Gibbs’ experience can be crucial during the Blues boss’ enforced absence.
By Neil Allen
Published 16th Feb 2021, 06:00 BST
Nigel Gibbs in action during his Watford playing days, featuring against Chelsea in September 1985. Picture: Dave Cannon/Allsport/Getty Images/Hulton ArchiveNigel Gibbs in action during his Watford playing days, featuring against Chelsea in September 1985. Picture: Dave Cannon/Allsport/Getty Images/Hulton Archive
Nigel Gibbs in action during his Watford playing days, featuring against Chelsea in September 1985. Picture: Dave Cannon/Allsport/Getty Images/Hulton Archive

Pompey’s manager is expected to be away from Fratton Park for two weeks when he undergoes an operation to remove a mole from his forearm on Thursday.

Assistant Joe Gallen and first-team coach Jake Wigley will take over the reins, although Jackett intends to remain involved in team selection.

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In addition, the call has gone out to Gibbs – a former Watford team-mate of the Blues manager.

The 55-year-old made almost 500 appearances for his only club, before establishing a distinguished career in coaching.

Gibbs has worked at the Hornets, Reading, Leeds, Millwall, Swansea, Cercle Brugge and Spurs’ under-19s.

Now he has agreed to stand in for Jackett on a short-term basis.

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Jackett said: ‘Nigel will be in and around the training ground at the back end of this week.

Nigel Gibbs, seen here with fellow coach Claude Makelele, during his time at Swansea, photographed in January 2017. Picture: Stu Forster/Getty ImagesNigel Gibbs, seen here with fellow coach Claude Makelele, during his time at Swansea, photographed in January 2017. Picture: Stu Forster/Getty Images
Nigel Gibbs, seen here with fellow coach Claude Makelele, during his time at Swansea, photographed in January 2017. Picture: Stu Forster/Getty Images

‘He will help us with his coaching ability and overall experience, however long that is.

‘There is no defined time on that obviously, but he will be in and around the training ground this week.

‘I’m pleased to have somebody with a lot of coaching ability but also a lot of experience.

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‘He has been an assistant manager, while was a caretaker boss at Watford in the Premier League, and is arriving to help Joe.’

Until this month, Gibbs was assistant manager at Belgian side Cercle Brugge.

He left the top-flight side when boss Paul Clement was dismissed, with the club struggling against relegation.

As a player, Gibbs played almost 20 years for Watford after making his debut in November 1983.

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He made 491 appearances, scoring seven times, before his final appearance in April 2002.

During his time at Vicarage Road, Gibbs was a team-mate of Jackett for seven seasons.

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Related topics:Kenny JackettJoe GallenPortsmouthLeedsBluesFratton ParkJake Wigley

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