Portsmouth pinpoint key to avoiding repeat of falling short on automatic promotion

Blues assistant manager, Joe Gallen, admitted it’s ‘imperative’ his side hit the ground running if they are to reach the Championship.

Pompey yesterday found out the make-up of the start to the campaign as they open the league fixtures at home to Shrewsbury.

The game forms part of a reasonable opening to the season, where Kenny Jackett’s men must avoid a repeat of last term’s weak opening - which Gallen admitted proved the difference between success and failure.

He said: ‘When you look back, we were two points off second when the season was cut short.

‘So if you look at our points tally and break it down to a monthly basis, it was clear August and September were our lowest totals.

‘A couple of more points in that period would’ve been enough when the season was cut short.

‘So a good start is important and what we’re looking for - and we’re not the only ones.

‘It’s imperative if you want to get promoted or win the league to get a good points tally on a monthly basis.

‘That’s what our aim has to be.’

Pompey yesterday brought forward their start to the competitive season, as they scrapped their Bristol City friendly and instead will play their Carabao Cup clash with Stevenage on August 29.

They then play Colchester in the EFL Trophy the week commencing September 7, before the league curtain-raiser against Sam Rickett’s side.

Gallen added: ‘It’s just nice the first league game is at home.

‘But the start of the season is now next week, so that’s what we’re looking at.

‘It’s nice to start off at home in the league, though.

‘We’re focussed on the start and that Shrewsbury game.

‘We’ve had good home form and are confident we can continue that, but will need to play well.’

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.