Why the Eisners remain quiet YOUR Blues questions answered
We’ve tackled the questions you want answering in the aftermath of Saturday’s disappointing Fratton Park defeat.
From whether the Eisners are losing patience and Kenny Jackett’s contract to the lack of a striker recruit and why the Blues are so defensive, they’re all here.
Q. How did the salary cap affect recruitment and in general terms how is the club working to mitigate the effects? Also what are the plans around the manager's reported contract expiration and what are the plans to replace him? But yes I would like him out ASAP!!
Ian Whittington via Facebook
NA: While the salary cap is crucial, there is also the issue of operating with a maximum squad size of 22.
Pompey had one space available before the transfer deadline – so immediately were restricted in their recruitment.
Those 21 players include Reeco Hackett-Fairchild, to enable a recall from his Bromley loan, but does not count Duncan Turnbull.
In the case of Turnbull, Kenny Jackett does not want to register a third keeper.
If an emergency arises then they will be able to bring a goalkeeper into the squad.
In terms of mitigating the effects of the salary cap, chief executive Mark Catlin has previously admitted some summer signings had to take a wage cut to fit in.
Presumably that would be Sean Raggett and Michael Jacobs.
As for Jackett’s contract, both the manager and the club are not willing to discuss that situation.
The fact remains, he is out of contract in the summer of 2021. NA: I’m sure he is a great young manager, but presently Lowe is contracted at Plymouth – and doing well.
The Pilgrims are sixth in League One – with three more points than Pompey
– on their return to the division following promotion.
If Kenny Jackett was dismissed, he would have to be paid compensation.
If the Blues wanted to get a manager already in work, compensation would have to be paid to the other club.
That’s a hell of a lot of money to find during the biggest financial crisis facing clubs in the professional era.
Of course, appointing a manager currently out of work would be a lot cheaper.
Besides, Ryan Lowe needs a say in this hypothetical scenario. Does he even want to leave Plymouth for Pompey?
Q. Do you feel that the lack of reaction from the Eisners shows that they are losing patience?
Shawn Woodward via Facebook NA:
We’ve not been given an interview by Tornante for just under two years.
They are very happy for Mark Catlin to speak on their behalf – and he is extremely accessible.
So in general they have kept a low profile long before the current situation.
In terms of social media, it’s a situation which they cannot win.
Post a pre-match good luck message on Twitter – they get stick.
Comment afterwards – they get stick.
Wisely don’t comment after a defeat when emotions are high – they get stick for not commenting.
Michael Eisner sometimes Tweets tributes to someone who has passed from Hollywood circles or praises a film or TV series which has impressed him. He subsequently gets stick from Pompey fans. Considering the current toxic situation, they would be well advised to reduce social media output. They’ll get nothing from it.
Q. Why didn’t we sign a striker? Gary Yallop via Facebook NA:
Good point – and one all local media asked Kenny Jackett about after the Doncaster defeat.
His stock answer is he is pleased with his options (Marquis, Harrison), while Curtis, Harness and HackettFairchild can also play there.
However, I feel the Pompey squad could have benefited from a young, pacy striker to serve as a bench option. To offer something different if required.
Another addition may not have fitted as the lone striker in the 4-2-3-1 system – but neither does Curtis, Harness and Hackett-Fairchild.
In fact, Marquis has struggled to replicate previous scoring feats at other clubs since asked to serve in Jackett’s favoured formation.
The alternative is Harrison, who is presently injured and does seem to pick up knocks.
Q. Why are we so defensive, it seems the players that have to ability to run in behind seemed to be afraid. Are we playing to not lose? Is KJ becoming a L1 Mourinho? and why do we not try the 3-5-2/3-4-3 formation we played against Southend?
Willy Hahn via Facebook
NA: Some of your thoughts, Willy, were echoed by Guy Whittingham on Radio Solent on Saturday.
He criticised them for not being brave going forward – and not gambling by getting beyond the lone striker.
The team isn’t creating chances, scoring goals or entertaining, we can all see that.
Take out Burton and that is one goal from open play in five League One fixtures.
The manager must find the solution, because, at the moment, this is a team devoid of goals.
As for the system, Jackett did introduce three at the back at half-time against MK Dons.
The outcome was preserving a 2-1 lead to secure an unconvincing victory, although they surrendered even more possession in the process.
As for its effectiveness at Southend, best not take too much notice of that fixture.
Southend, relegated from League One last season, are currently winless and bottom of League Two.
They didn’t even play their first-team against Pompey.
The success of a specific system against them does not hold much credence, I’m afraid.