Ex-Miller Kenny says: Blame me
AHEAD of his reunion with Rotherham United, Portsmouth manager Kenny Jackett insists that he is to blame for his disastrous spell in charge of the Millers.
Jackett took over at Fratton Park in June, returning to management for the first time after the 39 days he spent in the Rotherham hotseat.
The former Millwall and Wolves boss led the Millers to just a single point during the five games he took charge of between October and November last year, with his resignation leaving Rotherham to search for their sixth manager in the space of 14 months.
Portsmouth welcome his old side, who ultimately suffered relegation from the Championship last term, in front of the Sky Sports cameras today.
“It was the wrong move at the wrong time – I take responsibility for that,” said Jackett.
“You have to move on and move on quickly. I have to concentrate on the job I have here, that I am pleased to have.
“Did the parameters move? No, not necessarily. I take full responsibility.
“It didn’t work out. I read the people and the situation wrong, so, unfortunately, I had to move on quickly.”
Jackett does have a handful of selection hurdles to overcome ahead of this afternoon’s clash, with vice-captain Gareth Evans suspended following his red card against Wigan last time out.
Drew Talbot, another who could operate at right-back, is ruled out with a hamstring injury.
However, Jackett does have more options after making four deadline day signings. The Pompey boss has brought in Cardiff midfielders Stuart O’Keefe, 26, and Matty Kennedy, 22, on loan for the rest of the season. Burton defender Damien McCrory, 27, has joined on loan until January, while Dagenham & Redbridge striker Oliver Hawkins, 25, has signed a threeyear deal for an undisclosed fee.
Rotherham, who, like Pompey, have only managed a single League One victory so far this season, could include midfielder Richie Towell, 26, who joined on a season-long loan from Brighton on Thursday.
“He falls into the type of player that I want here and I know he will embrace the opportunity,” said Millers boss Paul Warne.