Why struggling Southend rather than other League Two clubs won race for Portsmouth forward

The Pompey forward has moved to Roots Hall on loan for the second half of the season after an impressive spell back at non-league Bromley.

Hackett-Fairchild’s life as a Shrimper couldn’t have started much better, netting the winner on his debut in their 1-0 win over Barrow last weekend.

Following their relegation from League One last season, things haven’t got much easier for Southend in the Football League’s basement division.

They currently sit bottom of the table, although they have lost only once of their past six games.

Pompey had a trio of fourth-tier clubs who were all keen to take Hackett-Fairchild on loan.

But the ex-Charlton man wanted to join the Shrimpers – and Jackett is confident it’s the right destination for him.

The Pompey boss said: ‘We wanted Reeco to be able to test himself in the Football League. He's established himself in the National League and played very well.

‘The next step is League Two as he works his way into Pompey's team. This is a key step and, after the first half of the season, one I think he's ready for.

‘He will do very well in League Two. We had three clubs in League Two who enquired about him but his and our choice was to go to Southend.

‘I understand that they're struggling at the moment but they have had their transfer embargo lifted and will be fighting for their lives to retain their League Two status.

‘It's a good level for him and we'll be watching his progress closely.

‘Southend is a good club, a big club in League Two and it will be good for him to go and play there.’

Hackett-Fairchild has made just one Pompey appearance since arriving for an undisclosed fee from Bromley last year.

However, an impressive spell at Southend will bolster his chances of becoming a Fratton Park regular in the future.

Jackett added: ‘You do think they are stepping in the right direction.

‘Reeco just needs to keep going. He was unlucky the season stopped when he just got his move to us, but everything stopped with Covid-19.

‘I've been pleased with him in the first half of the season. He got over his injury problems and got playing regularly in a Bromley side that have a real good chance of promotion.

‘We all felt – and so did he – that going into League Two and playing well there was a step in the right direction of his overall ambition of playing for Pompey.’

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