Kenny Jackett: There’s more to come from Portsmouth

Posted Sunday, August 12, 2018 by PA

Kenny Jackett says there is still plenty of work for Portsmouth to do – despite maintaining their 100 per cent start to the season with a 2-1 win at Blackpool.

Pompey boss Jackett saw Ronan Curtis score twice to seal the points and make it two wins from the opening two games.

Blackpool pulled a goal back through a combination of Mark Cullen and defender Matt Clarke but ended a difficult week in which manager Gary Bowyer left the club, still searching for their first win of the season.

Jackett said: “I’m delighted with the win, delighted with the spirit the players showed. But I also feel from the two games there’s a lot to work on and a lot to improve.

“There’s a lot to build on with Ronan (Curtis). He’s typical of a player who’s been playing in a good league (Ireland), a very competitive league. You see him come over here and for him to be able to take that on into League One is great.

“It’s early days for him but the thing that has impressed me most is his willingness to work for the team.

“Whatever talent people have, whatever role they play, you have to be selfless and put Portsmouth first. That’s a vital thing for anyone coming into the team.”

For Blackpool, they need to find a replacement for Bowyer – who quit on Monday after a difficult summer at the club – before too much of the season passes by.

Terry McPhillips took charge of the Seasiders against Pompey but said he had no interest in taking the job on full-time.

“It’s not for me,” he said. “I’m happy to be number two. I’m proud that they’ve asked me to take the game today, I was really excited and bar the result I’ve really enjoyed it. We will see what happens now.

“The players have been disappointed and I think they were shocked, but they’ve dusted themselves down and got on with it.

“We’ve got a good group, we need a few more as well. A few more numbers with quality but a great group of lads to work with.”