Portsmouth boss Kenny Jackett believes rough diamonds can shine at Fratton Park next season

Kenny Jackett has a conviction he has unearthed hidden gems this summer.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The Pompey boss believes he can continue to find players passed up by others who can make a big impact next term.

Jackett has recruited five players to date with Sean Raggett the latest player to be unveiled on Thursday.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

His loan arrival follows permanent deals for Ryan Williams, James Bolton, Paul Downing and Ellis Harrison this summer.

Those names may not have been on the radar of many Pompey fans before hearing of their team’s interest.

But Jackett doesn’t feel that limits their ability to be successes next term.

He said: ‘There’s sometimes players who it hasn’t worked out for at different clubs who can be success stories as well.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

‘You have to find those. Anyone can go and pick the guy who scored 25 goals last season. That’s pretty easy to do.

Kenny Jackett with Pompey assistant Joe Gallen. Picture: Habibur RahmanKenny Jackett with Pompey assistant Joe Gallen. Picture: Habibur Rahman
Kenny Jackett with Pompey assistant Joe Gallen. Picture: Habibur Rahman

‘You have to get the one who it hasn’t worked out for who, with a fresh chance and instruction, can go on and be that player.’

He has money for signings, but is aware clubs know that is the case. Ultimately, he knows he has to deliver a squad to get Pompey up whatever the circumstances.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Jackett added: ‘There was a fee on Ellis. Obviously Sean Raggett is a season-long loan. The other boys were out of contract and over 24.

‘There’s money in the transfer pot. That’s encouraging, yes.

‘For us, anyway, finding that extra forward to make a difference is quite a key one.

‘That is the downside (clubs know Pompey have money), but it is Portsmouth anyway and people have expectations.

‘It’s not easy wherever you are. You have to find those players and that’s it.’

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.