Boss quashes talk of bust-up leading to captain change
Jackett says he simply wanted defensive player at helm
KENNY JACKETT has shot down speculation an incident prompted his captaincy overhaul.
And the Pompey boss has explained the timing of his decision to change the firstteam’s leadership roles.
The news of Brett Pitman being stripped of his role as skipper with Gareth Evans losing his role as vice-captain caused reverberations among supporters last week.
Tom Naylor has taken over the armband, with Lee Brown the new deputy for the rest of the campaign.
The move came to light after Pitman had aired his frustrations at a lack of playing time in the wake of his EFL Trophy winner over Crawley.
It also followed Evans being substituted 25 minutes after coming on as a sub himself in the 1-1 draw at Blackpool.
Those moments had perpetuated talk of a bust-up leading to the change – but Jackett vowed that wasn’t the case at all. And he feels that, for Pitman in particular, not having the captaincy could prove a benefit.
He said: ‘There hasn’t (been an incident). In the Crawley game both had good games. I was pleased with them.
‘There hasn’t been an incident or something which has gone wrong with him (Pitman). ‘But similarly Brett would want to play. ‘He scored last time out in a good secondhalf performances which we’re pleased with. ‘He needs to follow Pompey’s captaincy switch arrived five games into the season that up and if he can go on a good run as a goalscoring number 10, which he has been for a number of years, that would be great.
‘That’s where his focus needs to be now. That’s where his focus and his incentive is.
‘There’s some competition in that area and Andy Cannon has started the season well. Also we have Gareth Evans.
‘But, similarly, if he can hold on to his shirt and produce his best form he still has a big future.’
The captaincy switch arriving five games into the league season aroused suspicion for some supporters there was an event which was the catalyst for Jackett’s move.
The Pompey boss has given an explanation for the timing, however.
Jackett added: ‘The captain issues was an assessment of the group, with the window shutting and knowing exactly who’s here and who’s not.
‘I felt the dynamics are right for a defender to take over.
‘There’s no more ins or outs and I wanted some consistency in the defensive area.’