Portsmouth boss gives verdict on potential FA Cup windfalls amid financial difficulties during Covid-19 pandemic

Pompey boss Kenny Jackett reckons the prize money on offer in this season’s FA Cup fails to take on extra significance as football continues during coronavirus.
Pompey boss Kenny Jackett. Picture: Joe PeplerPompey boss Kenny Jackett. Picture: Joe Pepler
Pompey boss Kenny Jackett. Picture: Joe Pepler

And if Pompey are successful at Portman Road – something they achieved on the road to FA Cup glory in 2008 – they'll receive an additional £16,972.

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That would be another useful addition to the Fratton Park coffers, with the club haemorrhaging around £700,000 a month as fans continue to be locked out of PO4 during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Jackett stressed Pompey will be looking to win against the Tractor Boys despite sections of fans believing another cup run could have a negative impact on their League One promotion push.

The Blues got to the fifth round last season, before being beaten by eventual winners Arsenal at Fratton Park. They also finished the curtailed League One season in fifth position.

And while the prize money would come in handy as ever, it's not regarded as more important in the current climate.

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Jackett said: ‘The prize money helps but I don't think anymore necessarily.

‘The Covid situation is not good for clubs when a whole or part of a season is being played without fans.

‘For a League One club, it does make a massive difference.

‘We always want to try to get through for football reasons and financial reasons because it can help a club in any particular season.'

Ipswich are currently second in League One on 22 points, with Pompey (20) two points adrift.

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Jackett feels the clash is the pick of the first-round games.

He added: ‘Ipswich have started well, picking up 22 points from 11 games and are third top scorers in the league.

‘They have some goals in them and will quite rightly be looking to go up in their second season in League One.

‘They will be determined to do well and have a successful season.

‘It is a hard game for us and is the biggest tie in this round of the Cup.

‘We will be determined to go there, give a good account of ourselves and do everything we can to get into the second round.’

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