Portsmouth boss shares thoughts on Fleetwood counterpart Joey Barton and their League One promotion chances

Kenny Jackett saluted the ‘outstanding’ job Joey Barton is doing in his first managerial role at Fleetwood.
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The former Newcastle midfielder is in his second season at the Highbury Stadium helm.

Barton guided the Cod Army to an 11th-place finish in League One last campaign.

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This term, Fleetwood have continued to progress and are firmly in the promotion mix.

They currently sit in eighth spot – two points and two berths below Pompey ahead of tomorrow’s Highbury clash.

Barton is someone Jackett knows fairly well.

The Liverpudlian was at Manchester City when Jackett was in charge of their under-23s for a brief period.

Fleetwood Town manager Joey Barton, with Kenny Jackett in the background. Picture: Daniel Chesterton/phcimages.comFleetwood Town manager Joey Barton, with Kenny Jackett in the background. Picture: Daniel Chesterton/phcimages.com
Fleetwood Town manager Joey Barton, with Kenny Jackett in the background. Picture: Daniel Chesterton/phcimages.com
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And while Barton’s proved controversial throughout his footballing career, the Blues boss heaped praise on his Fleetwood counterpart and assistant Clint Hill.

Jackett said: ‘They have a good squad and Joey and Clint have been outstanding so far at what they’ve done at the club and how well they’ve played.

‘I know Joey reasonable well and in his first managerial job, he's done very well.

‘Look at his playing career as well. He had an outstanding career playing-wise and has made a good start to his managerial career.

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‘I always thought he could go into management. He’s got good ambition and good staff around him as well – there’s a good set-up there.’

Pompey travel to the Fleetwood for the second time in as many months.

Both sides have been in red-hot form of late, with Jackett’s men winning 11 of their past 12 games and the Cod Army recording four successive victories.

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Despite holding the bragging rights, the Pompey chief warned his troops not to underestimate their hosts.

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Jackett added: ‘Fleetwood have been in form and have genuine chances of getting into the top six themselves.

‘You always know when you're playing one of your rivals that it’s going to be a difficult game.

‘We would never underestimate any opposition. By this stage of the season, everyone will know a lot about each other.

‘Ultimately, then you have to get your own team right.’

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