Kenny Jackett's message to Paul Downing as Portsmouth eye League One resumption

Kenny Jackett has pledged to hand Paul Downing a ‘fresh start’ should Pompey’s League One campaign resume.
Paul Downing hasn't featured in League One for Pompey since September - yet Kenny Jackett has offered him hope. Picture: Nigel Keene/ProSportsImages/PinPPaul Downing hasn't featured in League One for Pompey since September - yet Kenny Jackett has offered him hope. Picture: Nigel Keene/ProSportsImages/PinP
Paul Downing hasn't featured in League One for Pompey since September - yet Kenny Jackett has offered him hope. Picture: Nigel Keene/ProSportsImages/PinP

And he has challenged the central defender to force his way past the partnership of Christian Burgess and Sean Raggett.

Summer recruit Downing has not featured in league action for the Blues since September’s 2-2 draw against Burton.

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An uncertain start to his Fratton Park career prompted Jackett to axe the former Blackburn man in favour of pairing Raggett with Burgess.

Downing has since made five appearances – all in cup competitions.

However, with this week expected to signal the green light for a return to League One action in some form, Jackett has offered hope to the 28-year-old.

Jackett said: ‘Paul didn’t get off to a great start (after joining), but has never given up.

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‘During this time away, he has looked very fit with the amount of fitness work he has done.

‘The (running) times he’s doing are good at the moment so – as and when the football starts – it will be like a fresh season for him.

‘For the lads which have been on the fringes, it is similar going from one season to the next. During a campaign, it can be quite hard to get yourself into the side, particularly if the team is in a bit of a groove and a rhythm.

‘But whenever we do start, it will feel like the first day of pre-season because of the time we’ve had off.

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‘For the likes of Paul and Bryn Morris, they’ll be fit and hungry – and hopefully ready to capitalise on the new opportunity they’re going to get.’

Downing signed a three-year deal in June, such was Jackett’s faith in the defender.

However, he made just 14 appearances before football’s suspension – and was included in one of the last 16 squads.

Meanwhile, Burgess and Raggett had both staked claims for player of the season honours.

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Burgess has enjoyed the best form of his five-season Pompey career, while Raggett has roared into form to earn cult status among the Fratton faithful.

Jackett added: ‘Burgess and Raggett are the pair I favoured and, during any good spell or runs that we had, those two were a big part.

‘Now we start again and, looking at the Strava App, Paul’s running times are good.

‘He will start his football - whenever that’s this year or next year – in a good stage of physical fitness. Then it is up to you to try to earn that shirt.

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‘For those types of lads, it will be a fresh start – and hopefully one he can capitalise on.’

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