LESSONS TO LEARN
Portsmouth defender Christian Burgess on life under Kenny Jackett
BRAINBOX Portsmouth defender Christian Burgess studied history at university – now he’s eager to learn from a student of the game in manager Kenny Jackett.
The experienced Jackett, 55, took the reins at Fratton Park after Paul Cook’s shock departure for Wigan following Pompey’s League Two-winning triumph last season.
And the former Wolves and Millwall manager’s methods include a shift to more detailed analysis of statistics and numbers, with players getting constant feedback.
Burgess says this is the first time in his career he has experienced such meticulous management.
“The new gaffer is very organised,” said Burgess, who was named in the League Two team of the year for last season and is a mainstay in the Pompey backline. “He’s very stats-based and analyses everything very heavily.
“He has a lot of support and input, and goes over it with us. We know how we’re performing – what we need to do better – and everything is set in stone. We have a schedule, which is nice as a player when you are coming and going.
Attention
“We go over all the stats for games and how we’ve played, and have individual meetings. It’s good to understand that indepth detail of yours and the team’s performance.
“For me, it’s been interesting to work on because it’s probably the first time I’ve seen it like this – the attention to detail – to that level.”
It helps that Burgess is no stranger to learning, having studied history at both Teesside and Birmingham universities. And it appears he will have plenty of time to fully understand Jackett’s requirements as this month the 25-year-old signed new terms until 2020.
“It was a no-brainer for me in the end,” he said. “It was a mutual thing from both sides where we wanted to get the deal done.
“There were just a few little bits that needed tinkering with, but once that was cleared up I was happy to commit my future on the south coast.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time here so far. Hopefully, we can enjoy some more success together.
“I don’t think there’s a bigger club at this level of football. It’s a great place to play, it’s a great place to live. The fan base at the club is crazy.
“To go out every other week at home and play in front of 18,000 fans is unprecedented at this level. It will take something very special to make you move away.”
Cut-throat
With the new deal in the bag, Barking-born Burgess can look forward to turning out in the blue of Portsmouth for some time to come, having recently racked up a ton of appearances since signing from Peterborough in 2015.
Burgess concedes such a feat in the lower leagues is unusual, with the cut-throat nature of the footballing merry-go-round often leading to players and managers moving on as new projects take shape and clubs rebuild.
But Portsmouth are very much a team on the up, with Burgess grateful Jackett has kept faith in him since settling into the Fratton Park hot seat.
“It’s been a great achievement for me,” he said. “When managers come in and new challenges are set, you do see a big shift in playing personnel, especially in the lower leagues.”
“I’ve been lucky I’ve had the opportunity from Portsmouth from the previous manager to have a run in the side and to have been shown that trust.
“It’s been rewarding, for sure. I’ve had a great connection with the fans and they’ve been great, too.
“When it’s going well, there’s no better place to be.”