Michael Eisner's shown his faith - now Portsmouth boss must repay it with promotion in 2021

It proved a whirlwind of a year for all of us.
Pompey boss Kenny Jackett, left, and chairman Michael Eisner. Picture: Joe PeplerPompey boss Kenny Jackett, left, and chairman Michael Eisner. Picture: Joe Pepler
Pompey boss Kenny Jackett, left, and chairman Michael Eisner. Picture: Joe Pepler

And in terms of a footballing rollercoasters, Kenny Jackett’s 2020 must have been one of the bumpiest of his career.

Jackett recently reflected on the past 12 months, discussing whether he believed he was in line for the sack after the play-off loss to Oxford in July,

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In a sport where axing managers willy-nilly has become the norm – just look at Tony Pulis at Sheffield Wednesday – the American’s been staunchly loyal when it comes to Jackett.

In truth, it wasn’t just after Oxford when the ex-Millwall supremo could have been handed his P45.

There have, in fact, arguably been four occasions when Eisner and chief executive Mark Catlin could have informed Jackett to start clearing his desk – and it would have been understandable why.

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When the Blues sat five points clear at the summit on New Year's Day during the 2018-19 campaign, there could have scarcely been a supporter who'd have predicted such a capitulation.

However, such a catastrophy ensued. Pompey would jettison to fourth and be forced to enter the play-offs against Sunderland, where their Championship dreams would ultimately end for another year.

After the loss, there were calls for Jackett to go.

The collapse, coupled with two meek performances against the Black Cats, were unacceptable, they argued.

Instead, owners Tornante threw their weight behind their boss.

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While Pompey subsequently lost prized assets Matt Clarke and Jamal Lowe, Jackett was permitted to reinvest in his squad that summer.

Substantial fees were paid for John Marquis, Marcus Harness and Ellis Harrison.

Pompey looked more like relegation candidates than promotion contenders as they stuttered for form.

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Again, the Eisners resisted calls from supporters for change.

Their mantra of sustainability meant Jackett was being given a chance to turn things around.

Slowly but surely, Pompey would climb the table and before the 2019-20 season was suspended amid the coronavirus crisis, there was belief an automatic spot could be achieved.

However, the table was decided by a points-per-game formula, with the Blues again entering the play-off lottery.

For successive seasons, Pompey would fall short.

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And, again, Jackett's side's performances were unpalatable to many.

Jackett's future was again put under the microscope, only this time the number of fans who felt he should go multiplied markedly.

After three failed attempts, many had seen enough.

They feared staleness would creep in, enthusiasm evaporate and more key players depart for the Championship.

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Jackett was convinced Pompey weren’t far away from being a promotion-winning side, though. He felt a couple of tweaks here and there was all it needed.

After September’s 2-1 defeat to crisis-club Wigan, leaving the Blues on two points from three matches,, hardly anyone could agree.

Questions were asked whether the players were still giving their all for Jackett?

Only this time supporter frustration went a step further, with a protest planned and crowdfunding page created to contribute to any pay-off.

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While it’s understood there was some frustration at boardroom level with the calibre of performances, Jackett was given more time to turn it around.

And to his credit, Jackett’s done that. Not only have results have picked up, but so too has the value of entertainment so many previously bemoaned.

The switch to a 4-4-2 system’s paid dividends as the Blues ended 2020 in the automatic promotion berths.

Now we’re in 2021, Jackett simply has to keep on delivering.

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Out of contract in the summer, getting a new deal will surely rely on whether Pompey are in the Championship or not.

Having been steadfastly supported by the Eisners and Catlin, which wouldn’t happen at plenty of other clubs, now it’s time for him to repay the faith and guide the Blues to the second tier once again.