Portsmouth's concerns over football season going behind closed doors

Kenny Jackett believes sending the season behind closed doors is far from a perfect solution for football.
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But the Pompey boss admitted there will be no ideal outcome to getting the game back on track as it battles to find the answers to completing the season.

Football looks set to be played without fans present amid the ongoing dangers presented by the coronavirus pandemic.

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That timescale was based upon fixtures being completed behind closed doors in what would be an unprecedented scenario for the English game.

Jackett has aired concerns over the possible issues which could be raised, however, from that return taking place before football and wider society is ready for that to happen.

The Pompey boss feels it’s crucial the game should not restart while the nation’s infrastructure is under the strain placed upon it in dealing with the Covid-19 outbreak.

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Jackett said: ‘If things settled down, not just in this country but around the world and we’re discussing playing football in any circumstances that would be a positive thing.

Pompey manager Kenny JackettPompey manager Kenny Jackett
Pompey manager Kenny Jackett

‘If it happens to be behind closed doors and that happened to be the best way forward then we have to adapt.

‘The down side of games behind closed doors is even with medical staff, if a player suddenly breaks their leg or whatever in those games and is being treated, the local hospital could be understaffed.

‘If we actually get to the stage where we’re playing behind closed doors it does mean the overall situation has improved greatly.

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‘If we do get to that it will be good. If that’s what is deemed to be the correct way to go forward then fine.

‘I don’t think it will be a perfect solution myself, either contractually, fitness-wise and getting things in this season and next season, there’s not going to be a perfect solution.

‘Again, given what I’ve said previously, if we get to that stage it will mean the overall situation’s improving - so we will be able to get around that.’

It’s now over five weeks since Pompey played their last League One fixture against Fleetwood on March 10.

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Through a period of continuing uncertainty what does now appear certain is the football landscape will be very different when it does return.

Along with the prospect of games behind closed doors, there is likely to be a frenetic schedule to finish the campaign while a period to allow players to build fitness again needs to be considered.

Jackett knows there will be sacrifices made to get football back on track.

He added: ‘There 100 per cent is going to be things like that happening (games behind closed doors).

‘We’ve all got to make sure we pull together and get moving again - 100 per cent.

‘It won’t be a perfect solution when we get back, though.’

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