Portsmouth shelve key training ground work with players' return to action prioritised

Pitches at their Copnor Road training base were scheduled to be dug up and reseeded at the end of the 2019-20 campaign.

That would have enabled Kenny Jackett’s troops to utilise the new playing surface during their pre-season return in early July.

However, the possibility of the current season resuming has dictated the pitches must remain available, irrespective of their present condition.

The Football League have stated there will be no group training until May 25 at the earliest, thereby further impacting upon the timeframe for pitch renovation plans.

With a number of Pompey’s groundstaff not furloughed, the playing surfaces at Fratton Park and Copnor Road have continued to be tended during football’s shutdown.

That has allowed individual players to use facilities during the last eight weeks, while maintaining social distancing in accordance with government guidelines.

However, the ongoing situation raises questions whether the Blues’ training pitches can be replaced ahead of any new season.

Kenny Jackett said: ‘I have met with the groundsman to talk about what we wanted going forward and how he was going to plan it.

‘Pitch renovations are usually done during the summer. This summer – because we have always thought we’re going to be back – they haven’t been able to be any.

‘There have been two meetings with those guys are talking me through what we are losing by not renovating the pitches after all.

‘Obviously the gains are we have to be ready should we come back to group training.

‘However, at this time of year, we’ve normally dug up all the pitches and reseeded them.

‘I have only been guided by the three groundsmen in terms of the areas which are the most worn and what areas are strong.

‘We do have the youth pitch, with youth football having been called off, which allows a little more time for the first-team pitches to recover and keep ticking over.’

During the past fortnight, those Pompey players visiting families have been asked to return to the south-coast ahead of potential group training resumption.

According to the Football League, that will not be possible for another 10 days at least – but, in the meantime, individual training programmes are being followed.

And Jackett believes the playing surfaces at their Hilsea base are holding up, despite work required.

He added: ‘The pitches are looking pretty strong at the moment, that is not a problem.

‘Currently, the gates are open and individuals are able to use the facilities when they wish.

‘We will have to see whether the work can be carried out at all this summer.’

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