Blues face setback as Kenny temporarily hangs up his Jackett

Portsmouth’s Kenny Jackett was spotted in the dugout at Fratton Park last night, after undergoing an operation.

Jackett was in attendance as Portsmouth faced Bristol Rovers despite having to temporarily step down as manager due to him having a medical procedure on his forearm.

Portsmouth FC recently announced in an official statement that from Thursday 18th February, manager Kenny Jackett “will not be in attendance at matches or training sessions”.

In an interview published on the official YouTube channel, Jackett stated that it is a “precautionary” operation, and he will need 2 weeks to recover, however he did not give the reason for the procedure.

The Club have announced that assistant Manager Joe Gallen will operate as caretaker manager, with first team coach Jake Wigley acting as assistant during this time.

Jackett will remain in constant contact with the pair of them, as well as the squad, and will be able to speak to players via video link before and after matches as well as at half time, meaning he will still be involved with the team for the next few weeks, just not directly.

With Pompey aiming for promotion this season, Jackett’s absence could potentially be a cause for concern as the club will be wanting to continue their winning form, following victory at home to Swindon Town last week.

But Pompey Focus, a fan owned instagram news page told WINOL they are fully confident that “Gallen can do an equally good job as Kenny”, given that “the players work with both Jackett and Gallen on the training ground, so will be used to his voice and style of leadership” they believe that the absence of Kenny Jackett “won’t affect the season at all… Jackett’s knowledge would have already rubbed off on Gallen”.

The blues currently reside in 4th place in League 1, with 2 games in hand over 3rd place Hull. A win at the weekend could see them overtake the Tigers, and be 4 points off Peterborough United in the top spot.

Pompey will face 15th place side Gillingham at Fratton Park this weekend, a team who are also on poor form as of late, following a 1-0 defeat to AFC Wimbledon on Tuesday.