Pundit lauds Jackett and labels Blues ‘the team to beat’ in race for League One glory
GARY O’NEIL believes Pompey are ‘the side to beat this year’ in League One.
And the ex-Blues midfielder said manager Kenny Jackett deserves ‘huge credit’ in making his for mer club the force they are in this season’s title race.
Pompey moved top of the table thanks to a 2-0 victory over rivals Hull City at the KCOM Stadium on Friday evening.
It’s the first time the Blues have found themselves in such a lofty position in nearly two years – and is a far cry from the relegation zone spot of bother they found themselves in back in September following a 2-1 home defeat at the hands of Wigan Athletic.
That didn’t go down well with disgruntled sections of the Fratton faithful, who were still frustrated at a second successive failed promotion bid via the play-offs and the style of football being played under the manager.
There were inevitably calls for Jackett to be sacked.
But the boss and his under-fire side weathered the stor m, winning eight and drawing three of 13 League One games since a 1-0 loss against Doncaster Rovers in October.
And Pompey have done it with style, too, with a for mation change that has brought with it an attacking flair and a goal tally that is bettered by none in the third tier.
That’s seen the Blues soar to the top of the rankings – leaving one-time Pompey ace O’Neil suitably impressed with the talent at the manager’s disposal and Jackett’s ability to turn things around so convincingly.
Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: ‘I think you have to give him (Jackett) huge credit.
‘There were some doubters there about the style of play, they were a bit grumbly about it not being too creative and it maybe being a bit direct.
‘I think you have to be extremely honest and say Kenny has put together a fantastic squad of players there.
‘They’ve got real attacking talent, they can score goals, they can create, they’ve got centrehalves who are willing to head it, clear it, put their bodies on the line so they can win ugly like they did tonight.
‘I think he’s got them in a really good place and fair play to Kenny Jackett.
‘I think they’re the side to beat this year.’
Pompey are the joint-highest scorers in League One this season with 32 goals