Portsmouth boss gives insight into players' training mindset as they wait for testing to begin

Pompey are ready to begin close-contact training ahead of the season’s likely resumption.
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Kenny Jackett explained his men are waiting for the green light to step up to phase two of the government’s return to training guidance for elite sport.

And the Blues boss is confident his players are in the right condition to step up the intensity of their work to be ready for a return to competitive action.

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Pompey are today continuing to train as they work within the parameters of social distancing.

The government last month stated elite sport can return to contact training when individual sports deem it safe to do so.

That is the case in the Premier League and Championship, although there was no testing regime in place in League One until Oxford United today started theirs

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It seems next Tuesday’s vote on the way ahead for the season will hold the key to things accelerating on that front and Jackett feels he’s players are primed to build up their work.

Ben Close and Bryn Morris involved in training at Pompey's training base in Hilsea.  Picture: Habibur RahmanBen Close and Bryn Morris involved in training at Pompey's training base in Hilsea.  Picture: Habibur Rahman
Ben Close and Bryn Morris involved in training at Pompey's training base in Hilsea. Picture: Habibur Rahman

He said: ‘The players on an individual and optional basis, I’m pleased with their fitness levels.

‘Our players have kept fit and, in terms of their individual body weights and fat they’re good.

‘As for getting to a stage where we can put on some competitive sessions, they will be ready.

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‘What we’re doing is good to monitor people’s individual fitness.

‘The competitive side of it will come and I’m confident they can step up to it pretty quickly.’

Jackett feels some certainty on what’s happening is now long overdue.

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He added: ‘We do need to get some type of clarity going forward. That’s needed.

‘But it seems maybe we’ll get that at some stage next week now to see exactly what League One looks like.

‘Whether that’s play again or play-offs, they seem to be the considerations given.’

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