Why Tom Naylor never lost faith in Portsmouth boss Kenny Jackett during difficult start to the campaign

Sections of supporters were calling for the boss to be sacked only months into the campaign, with the Blues two points above the relegation zone after a 1-0 loss to AFC Wimbledon in October.

Pompey have picked up significantly since, however. They’ve lost just twice in their subsequent 23 matches, while Saturday's 2-0 win over Sunderland moved them into the League One play-off places.

Naylor thought Jackett copped unfair flak at the time, believing it was the players who deserved the blame when the Blues were stuttering along.

And the midfielder never lost faith in his manager.

Naylor said: ‘Everyone seen what the situation was like at the start of the season and nobody was happy.

‘Everyone was trying their best but it just wasn’t gelling with new lads coming. Now, since about November time, everyone knows what their job is and believe we can do it.

‘I had so much faith in the gaffer when he was in that situation. Everyone was saying it was the gaffer’s fault but we are the lads who are on the pitch.

‘I think everyone would have played the same side he put out. We were trying our best on the pitch and knew the ability the gaffer has.

‘We just needed to dig deep to get to the position we are in now.’

As club captain, Naylor was happy to shoulder some of criticism Jackett was receiving at the time.

But he believes that testing period is well behind Pompey as they target a Championship return.

‘It’s obviously not very nice when the manager who brought you to the club is getting stick,’ added the midfielder.

‘You've got to step up and take some of the stuff on your shoulders – and I was happy to do that.

‘That’s long gone now, though, and now we are right up there.

‘Everyone knew it was close and the players knew we had to turn it around, which we’ve done.

‘We know how to play together and what our jobs and now we are right up there.’