Portsmouth boss Kenny Jackett's admission over details for way forward for EFL amid current crisis

The Pompey boss explained he’s not been privy to any information about the battle plan for the elite game in the wake of its suspension following the coronavirus outbreak.

Football’s governing bodies held talks via a conference call last week, with matches suspended to April 30 at the earliest.

Last Wednesday’s EFL meeting was chaired by chairman Rick Parry with representatives from Championship, League One and League Two clubs along with two EFL board executives.

Reports surfaced yesterday suggesting that date is likely to be put back further, although there is a widespread sentiment within the game that would be the case anyway.

Jackett explained he’s not being given any information that’s not available to the wider public.

He said: ‘We haven’t had any other information than is generally out there.

‘I think it’s quite open anyway. Football is waiting like everybody for advice from the government.

‘There’s been no further meetings I’ve been to, conference calls or information that hasn’t generally been out there to the wide public.

‘We’re watching and waiting exactly the same as everyone else is.

‘We haven’t been given any further information about when it’s likely to be back, when that’s looking the case.’

Pompey have found themselves at the very heart of the coronavirus in football narrative from the moment they faced Arsenal in the FA Cup at the start of the month, with manager Mikel Arteta testing positive following on from the owner of their Europa League opponents Olympiakos doing likewise.

Despite that, Jackett made it clear the advice his club are working to is no different to anyone else.

He added: ‘Obviously, there’s working from home and self-isolation for the people who either have symptoms or have tested positive. It’s a really important one.

‘Then, as we go on now, it’s applying the 2m rule and discouraging groups.

‘We’re working off those things which right across the board aren’t necessarily (ideal) for football.

‘Really in the end we’re working off government guidelines like everybody else.’