Mark Catlin: League One rivals impressed with Portsmouth Michael Jacobs business

And even League One rivals have been contacting Pompey to register admiration at securing the former Wigan man.

Mark Catlin is delighted to have secured Jacobs on a two-year deal after believing the forward was destined to remain in the Championship.

Crucially, the chance to work with former Wolves boss Kenny Jackett was decisive for the 28-year-old.

Since Monday’s unveiling, a number of chief executives have been in touch with Catlin marvelling at their scoop.

And the Catlin is understandably pleased with the Blues’ fourth signing of summer.

He told The News: ‘Michael has the pedigree, he knows how to get out of this league, he’s played consistently in the level above, he’s the right age and ticks a lot of boxes.

‘My understanding is he spoke to quite a few clubs which, for both parties, didn't quite work out. If he wasn't going to go into the Championship then he wanted to come to Pompey to work with Kenny.

‘However, we assumed all the way through that he was going to go to a Championship club.

‘When it was completed, I did have a couple of chief executives asking how we pulled it off. People didn’t realise he was available.

‘With the issues at Wigan, they were unable to offer Michael a new deal this summer, which fell nicely for us at the time.

‘He’s very, very highly regarded. I spoke to a number of our players who played with him at Wigan and they gave glowing references.

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‘You just have to look at his quality, the number of games he’s played and record of getting out of this league you see what a class act he is.’

Jacobs scored eight goals in 30 appearances when Wolves won League One with a record points tally in 2013-14.

He had arrived from Derby in November of that season, initially on loan, as Jackett’s men clinched promotion to the Championship in style.

Now both are reunited at Fratton Park.

Catlin added: ‘There is a personal connection between the player and Kenny.

‘I spoke to Michael and I’m sure he will tell you also that he enjoyed playing under Kenny when they were at Wolves - and that was a big pull for him to come to Fratton Park.

‘Ideally, managers like to work with players they have worked with before, they know their character, know their strengths, know their weaknesses.

‘There was a desire from both parties to work together again. That’s always a great positive.’

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