Portsmouth owner Michael Eisner breaks silence after Kenny Jackett's departure

Jackett was sacked as Blues boss on Sunday morning after almost four years in the Fratton Park driving seat.

Pompey lost six of their final eight matches under the 59-year-old, with the Papa John's Trophy final defeat to Salford culminating in the manager’s departure.

Eisner’s Tornante company was in the middle of completing his PO4 takeover when the ex-Millwall chief was appointed Paul Cook’s successor in June 2017.

The Blues chairman handed Jackett a new contract only months into his role.

In return, he yielded the Checkatrade Trophy in 2019 and two League One play-off finishes – but ultimately failed to achieve Pompey’s priority of promotion to the Championship.

However, Eisner has told of his appreciation for the work that Jackett carried out on the south coast.

And the American stressed reaching the second tier this season is very much the aim despite the Blues failing out of the play-offs places at the weekend.

Eisner wrote on Twitter: I’d like to thank Kenny Jackett for his loyal/professional partnership with Pompey.

‘I wish him well in the future. His overall record is widely documented and appreciated by us.

‘We are totally focussed on an exciting end to this season resulting in promotion!’

Eisner’s sentiments were echoed by Tornante president and club director Andy Redman.

He paid tribute to Jackett’s ‘win rate’ (51.7 per cent in all competitions) at the Blues but said the club needed to move on to fulfil their ambition pf promotion.

Redman said: ‘Really difficult few weeks at @Pompey

‘I only have respect & appreciation for Kenny. Win rate was incredible.

‘In under four seasons we won a trophy, made two finals, went on amazing FA Cup runs, and play-offs twice in three attempts.

‘We move on and promotion remains the #1 focus!’

Former Barnsley boss Daniel Stendel and ex-Cardiff chief Neil Harris are both early candidates to take over as Pompey boss.