Kenny Jackett had a successful season with Portsmouth last year, winning the EFL Trophy and coming within three points of automatic promotion. They led the pack at the turn of the year, but an eight-game winless run left them playing catch-up. After their play-off semi-final exit to Sunderland, they are left mired in League One, aiming for the Championship again. How has Kenny Jackett geared Portsmouth for success in the 2019/20 season?
Portsmouth – 2019-20 Season Preview
What Has Changed at Fratton Park?
Portsmouth have enjoyed a relatively low-key summer so far. They have lost key defender Matt Clarke, who proved a cut above League One, to Brighton & Hove Albion. Apart from that, the only other departures were players who had reached the end of their contracts.
In terms of in-comings, though, they have brought in a number of players to thicken their squad. Academy graduate Ryan Williams returns from Rotherham United, while Ellis Harrison comes in from Ipswich Town. Harrison proved during his time with Bristol Rovers that he can score goals at this level. Another potentially key signing for Pompey could Ross McCrorie on loan from Rangers. The Scottish U21 captain played a part in Rangers’ title bid last year and could be a shrewd acquisition at this level.
Players to Look Out For
Jamal Lowe
Lowe’s rise from non-league to the Football League has been meteoric. Four years ago, he was playing in the Isthmian Premier Division, now he is a leading light in England’s third tier. He was prolific from the wing, scoring 17 goals and creating nine more. As such, he has many suitors in the Championship, but, for now, he remains in League One and a terror for the league’s defences. His numbers only get better, and he will be key for Portsmouth’s push to the Championship.
Marcus Harness
Harness rose up the ranks with Burton Albion, climbing the leagues with the club. He had his most prolific season yet last year, scoring six goals and laying on seven assists. This year could be even better for the winger, who is only 23. His pace and trickery will cause problems at this level, and he could be a shrewd acquisition for Kenny Jackett.
Jack Whatmough
Whatmough began last season as part of Jackett’s preferred centre-back partnership, along with Matt Clarke. However, an injury in February ruled him out for the season, allowing Christian Burgess to take his place. Now, after Clarke’s departure to Brighton, Whatmough should slot back into Portsmouth’s starting line-up. The 22-year-old centre-back, standing at 6ft, is a Portsmouth academy graduate and could be their rock this season.
Do Portsmouth Have What It Takes?
Portsmouth’s main problem last season was an over-reliance on their starting eleven. There was a clear drop in quality in the players outside the first team, which showed during their New Year winless streak. Now that they have padded out the squad with more numbers, and with players who know the league, they should have enough to last the long festive period relatively unscathed.
There will be much focus on how well Portsmouth can cope without Matt Clarke, who was crucial at the back for them last season. If new man Paul Downing, along with returning Jack Whatmough, can fill his boots, then there is no reason Portsmouth can’t go one better than last year. In Kenny Jackett, they have a man who has League One promotion experience with Millwall and Wolverhampton Wanderers. He could be the one to return them to the Championship for the first time since 2012.
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