What's wrong with Kenny Jackett and what does it mean for Pompey's season - your questions answered

We’ve summed up the key points being raised and tackle your questions following today’s news.

What’s wrong with Kenny Jackett?

Pompey today announced that their manager is to undergo a medical procedure which will require a short period of recuperation.

Jackett had a scheduled press briefing ahead of tomorrow’s Bristol Rovers game, and took that opportunity to explain the surgery was an elective and preventative issue related to a mole on his arm.

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Furthermore, the Blues manager stated he expects to spend around two weeks recovering. He is expected to have the surgery on Thursday.

The News understands this is a private matter which requires an ethical and considered approach to dealing with how it’s reported.

Furthermore, we appreciate the Pompey boss speaking to us, keeping fans informed and, of course, wish him a very speedy recovery.

What does this mean for the promotion push?

Well, Kenny Jackett is hoping things will remain pretty much business as usual.

With whispers of a health issue circulating for some time now, the Pompey boss informed those he wanted to know and addressed his players this morning ahead of a blanket media release at midday.

The news was reported ahead of schedule, however, before Jackett this afternoon did his usual press call with the local press.

What the Pompey boss will be at pains to achieve is keeping upheaval to a minimum at this crucial point in the season.

In typical fashion, Jackett was measured in his tone and use of language when talking about going into hospital for surgery.

If things go as hoped and it is a two-week stay away from physical involvement with the first-team, he will miss four games - Blackpool (H), Oxford (A), Gillingham (H) and Doncaster (A).

Whether he will be present at the Memorial Ground tomorrow is a grey area, as is the visit to Northampton on March 6.

Inevitably, there is going to be some upheaval, but you only have to look at the manner in which Shrewsbury have ploughed on and picked up wins with Steve Cotterill in hospital with coronavirus, to see it doesn’t have to be a seismic impact on preparations.

Will it prove a distraction for the players?

Jim Smith used to say ‘give a player a chance to use an excuse and they’ll take it’. Jackett won’t want any reason for excuses.

It seems Jackett is going to great lengths to ensure that cannot be the case over the next couple of weeks or so.

One of the 59-year-old’s great character traits is his diligence and professionalism, and that will be the fore now.

Day-to-day training will not vary too much, other than the Pompey boss’ obvious absence.

As with other absent managers during the coronavirus pandemic, Jackett will have a link to the dressing room on a matchday.

That will be the case before, during and after games via telephone and video calls as he watches on iFollow from afar. He will certainly have his say on what’s unfolding.

Hopefully facing the issue will galvanise rather than harm.

Will there be an additional support moving forward?

Jackett today confirmed that Joe Gallen will oversee first-team affairs in his absence and be assisted by first-team coach Jake Wigley.

His former Watford team-mate Nigel Gibbs has also been recruited to lend support to the set-up.

Gibbs is a vastly experience coach who has held a variety of first-team roles at the likes of Watford, Reading, Leeds, Millwall and Swansea since retiring in 2002.

The 55-year-old will provide assistance, while The News understands there’s no suggestion of a view being taken on his position as manager.

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