Portsmouth have confirmed manager Kenny Jackett will temporarily step down from his role for medical reasons.
The Portsmouth manager is set to undergo a medical procedure and will step down from his post on Thursday.
Jackett’s assistant Joe Gallen will oversee the first team in a caretaker role until Jackett returns. Jake Wigley will take over as assistant manager working alongside Gallen. Jackett has also confirmed former teammate Nigel Gibbs will arrive to help out too.
Jackett will remain in regular contact with Gallen and the rest of the Portsmouth coaching staff while recuperating at home.
Kenny Jackett to Temporarily Step Down as Portsmouth Manager for Health Reasons
Portsmouth Football Club can advise that, with effect from this Thursday, Kenny Jackett will not be in attendance at matches or training sessions following a medical procedure that will require a short period of rest and recuperation#Pompey
— Portsmouth FC (@Pompey) February 15, 2021
Jackett Set to Undergo Minor Medical Procedure
The Portsmouth boss leaves his side fourth in the League One table, just five points behind leaders Lincoln City. He will undergo a medical procedure and his assistant Joe Gallen will lead the side in his absence.
Pompey are going well and the loss of Jackett will hurt the side but Joe Gallen will try to focus the team on the task at hand. Portsmouth are very much in the promotion race after a strong first half of the season. Pompey also have games in hand on Lincoln City and Hull City – the two sides which occupy the automatic promotion places.
Jackett will be in contact from a distance and assistant Gallen where he can until he can return. It’s a crucial period in Pompey’s season and Jackett will do all he can while he is away.
Gallen’s first game in caretaker charge is a trip to struggling Bristol Rovers tomorrow evening. A great chance to collect a third win in four league games.
Jackett Believes His Squad Can Perform in His Absence
Speaking to the Portsmouth website about his temporary exit, Jackett said: “I need an operation on my forearm and they’re expecting that I’ll need two weeks of recovery after that.
“It is a precautionary one and Joe will be in charge. He’ll be assisted by Jake, while Nigel is also coming in for a short period.
“There are the telephone and video links available and I will be using that. I’m not anticipating being out for any longer.
“We feel that we can negotiate this period as a staff and that the players can still have the best preparation for the upcoming games.
“It’s an important batch of fixtures for us as we approach the run-in and we believe we have the right attitude in our squad to keep pushing hard.”
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