Kenny Jackett's verdict on his Portsmouth players after they return to training

Kenny Jackett believes his players are ready to put their play-off heartache behind them after their return to training.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The Blues were back in business as they reported back for pre-season training last Monday, after a shortened summer break due to the impact of the coronavirus.

Jackett addressed his men before they got to work, with the opening week based around sessions at the club’s Roko base.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

They will spend this week at a training camp before playing their first warm-up game at the weekend.

Jackett has been pleased with the mindset they’ve shown following the play-off disappointment against Oxford United.

He said: ‘The players have been back all week and have got themselves into a good groove.

‘We had long enough to get ourselves organised with the Covid-19 testing and protocols and creating a safe working environment here in the build-up to play-offs. Now we can pick up where we left off.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

‘It’s been a strange situation and is no different in football but we’re pleased we can get going in terms of the play-offs, the new season and crowds coming back in.

Pompey are back in training.  Picture: Habibur RahmanPompey are back in training.  Picture: Habibur Rahman
Pompey are back in training. Picture: Habibur Rahman

‘That gives us something to focus on and work towards.

‘Things have been for a good reason because there’s been a pandemic but I’m confident we’ve provided a safe working environment for the players and they can settle down, keep improving and focus on the season ahead – which is a big one coming quickly.’

Jackett noted how the fitness of his men have been at a high level, with just four weeks between the second leg of the play-offs and their first session.

The Pompey boss is also working with smaller numbers with his first-team squad totalling 19 players at present.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He added: ‘We have a better idea of players’ fitness and there are fewer numbers. They’ve all come back well and it’s been a combination of football and fitness.

‘We had a long pre-season period for the play-offs so we’ve been able to come in, find a good rhythm and are pleased how the players come back.’

A message from the editor

Thank you for reading this story. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on our advertisers and thus our revenues.

The News is more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism. You can subscribe here for unlimited access to Portsmouth news and information online.

Every subscription helps us continue providing trusted, local journalism and campaign on your behalf for our city.

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.