Pompey chief: Jackett deal not linked with Wales interest

Yesterday, Pompey’s boss was handed a two-year extension – just 23 games into his tenure.

Jackett arrived at Fratton Park in June on a two-year contract to replace Paul Cook, who had quit to join Wigan.

Now the former Wolves manager is attached to Pompey until the summer of 2021.

However, Catlin has dismissed suggestions the extension was pushed through to ward off rumoured interest from Wales and domestic clubs.

Pompey’s chief executive said: ‘I cannot comment on whether there has or hasn’t been any interest.

‘From our point of view and Kenny’s point of view, let’s just say there has been no interest to break up what is proving to be a very good relationship between both parties.

‘We have all seen some big clubs linked with Kenny in the past month or two as well as the Wales national job.

‘But I can assure everyone that the decision to extend Kenny’s contract was 100 per cent not linked to any interest from any outside party.

‘It purely was a case that we hoped and believed that Kenny is enjoying the project that is Portsmouth Football Club – and we definitely like the way that he performs as manager of the club and the standard he sets.

‘It is important to get the message out that Kenny is our manager. We envisage him being here for many years to come and want to establish ourselves as a well-run, stable football club moving forward.’

Following last night’s defeat at Peterborough, Pompey are 11th in League One.

Jackett has now overseen 24 Blues matches, of which 10 have been victories.