Kenny Jackett remembered as Portsmouth's steady manager

Kenny Jackett has died at 64. The former Portsmouth manager is being remembered for his calm approach during a turbulent period at Fratton Park. Jackett arrived at Fratton Park after Portsmouth secured promotion from League Two. His appointment came as Paul Cook left to join Wigan Athletic and Michael Eisner completed the purchase of the club from the Pompey Supporters Trust. Key players Enda Stevens and Michael Doyle had already left as the promotion side began to break up. In his first season, Jackett's newly promoted side challenged for the League One playoffs. The following campaign saw Portsmouth sit top of the table at Christmas and claim an EFL Trophy final victory over Sunderland in March, finishing with 88 points. The campaign fell short of promotion to the Championship. Jackett kept his emotions restrained, often standing with arms folded on the touchline. He maintained a punctual weekly media briefing that started precisely at 13:00 and answered any question politely, despite keeping both media and players at a distance. Jackett spent nearly two decades managing in the English Football League, demonstrating talent, determination and mental strength. His passing at 64 marks a sad day for Portsmouth and its supporters.