Portsmouth boss may have 'lost' skipper after shock play-off snub against Oxford United

That’s the belief of chief sports writer, Neil Allen, who admitted he can’t see a way back for the midfielder as a result of the strain the shock decision would have put on their relationship.

Naylor didn’t play for a minute as Pompey fell in the play-offs for the second time in as many seasons against Oxford United.

The big team news was undoubtedly Naylor’s omission after being a central figure in Jackett’s team over the past two campaigns.

Speaking in the latest edition of Pompey Talk, which you can listen to HERE, Allen believes that call will leave doubt in Naylor’s mind with it a long way back to repair relations between the pair.

Allen said: Where does Tom Naylor go from here?

‘Everytime Tom Naylor is fit and not suspended he plays in Jackett’s team - and he’s been overlooked for the two biggest games of the season.

‘He’s been put on the bench and not played at all. How Naylor can possibly come back from this? I can’t see it.

‘Surely the manager has now lost him.

‘How can Kenny Jackett say: “new season you’re back as captain and will play again”.

‘He will automatically think that’s until a big game and he gets dropped.

‘How does Naylor come back from this? I can’t see how he can.’

Allen made it clear he doesn’t necessarily see Naylor, who garnered support in the Blues’ player of the season vote, leaving Pompey with so much certainty in the game amid the coronavirus pandemic.

He added: ‘It’s got to be a crossroads. I’m not saying he’s going to leave, because of the environment out there with football.

‘He remains a key player and one of their best players who was third in the player of the year vote as well.

‘He’s definitely at a crossroads because he’ll be thinking what do I do now?

‘It was a big decision and I can only see him (Jackett) losing the player.’

A message from the editor

Thank you for reading this story. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on our advertisers and thus our revenues.

The News is more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism. You can subscribe here for unlimited access to Portsmouth news and information online.

Every subscription helps us continue providing trusted, local journalism and campaign on your behalf for our city.