‘Health scare won’t stop me’
Blues boss has no intention of stepping away from football
KENNY JACKETT has reaffirmed his desire to remain in football management after his recent health scare.
And the Pompey boss has revealed the ‘apprehension’ and ‘anxiety’ he faced as he underwent surgery last week.
The 59-year-old had a successful operation to remove a mole from his arm, with the procedure forcing him to step back from frontline managerial duties.
There was concern for Jackett, who has been at the helm at Fratton for three-anda-half years since succeeding Paul Cook, and whose contract expires at the end of this season.
Speaking to The News for the first time since recovering, he has detailed his own worries for what unfolded.
And the man tasked with getting Pompey into the Championship has no intention of stepping back from football management.
Jackett said: ‘I’ve been in football since I left school and I feel very lucky to do that.
‘I do think it’s been a privilege to be there, it’s what I want to do and it’s what I want to do moving forward.
‘There is a time it’s not necessarily there, but it will never be my choice.
‘I’ve enjoyed my life in football, it’s a life I enjoy and I don’t see it as a job.
‘I feel I’m fortunate and privileged to have had the roles I’ve had while playing, coaching and ultimately managing.
‘Your health has to come first, though. Then you move on to what you want to do after that.
‘When it’s a small one (health scare) like I’ve had, you’re needing an operation and there is a degree of anxiety about that.
‘Nobody wants to be operated on for any reason, so there was a degree of apprehension but I was in good hands.
‘I’ve got a big family and a close family, and it’s a good situation to be able to say that in.
‘You have to put your health first, so in terms of the job and role it’s hard to overlap, particular in football management, because it’s such an unusual job.
‘But, whatever the role, being in football is where I want to be.’
Jackett confirmed his surgery went well as he thanked Pompey fans and the football community for the messages of support he received.
He is now expected to return to full managerial duties against Gillingham on Saturday - nine days after surgery, despite the recommendation of at least a fortnight’s recovery.
Jackett added ‘I had the operation last Thursday, recovered and am okay.
‘There’s been very many good and encouraging messages which has been great to see, and is much appreciated by myself and family.
‘My arm is good. I just have to keep it clean and let it recover fully.
‘There’s some bits and pieces on the dressing but it’s just keeping it clean.
‘It’s not a complication but the operation was in the crease of my arm, so there can’t be excess movement because it needs to gel.
‘I’m good anyway. I’ve been okay. It was a very thorough process which is good.
‘The good thing is I feel good in myself.’