Why the time is right for Pompey talisman to seek new challenge elsewhere
One of the great truisms of the 2021-22 season for Pompey was when Michael Jacobs started, results invariably followed.
That ‘talisman’ moniker he was afforded was well earned, too. It was no coincidence when his side called upon his quality, positive things happened.
Itwasarunwhichspanned eight starts over the second half of the campaign.
Jacobs’ influence on that form led to then head coach Danny Cowley admitting to an error of judgement, after the 2020 signing from Wigan was criminally overlooked for much of the term.
Sadly for a talent arguably unrivalled in terms of skill in this current group of players, there’s been a string of other issues behind his unavailability for much of his near three years at Fratton.
The common denominator has been injury.
When you see the former Wolves and Derby man making such an impact in games it’s tempting to overlook that record, but a sober assessment has to be applied when considering his future.
A total of 40 league starts in his time at Pompey is a telling figure. For clarity, that number comes amid a total 93 outings and 14 goals.
An incentive-based deal was constructed 12 months ago, to keep Jacobs for one more crack at promotion.
His role in the flying start this term shouldn’t be overlooked, with Pompey unbeaten in the four games he started as they briefly topped the League One table early on.
Then being sidelined coincided with Cowley’s winter of discontent. Jacobs has consistently been called upon by his successor, with 20 outings under John Mousinho.
Hopefully that points to bright days as he looks to new challenges.
There’s a fair chance the Fratton faithful may not have seen the last of his talent, too. As was the case 12 months ago, a switch to hometown club Northampton looks a good fit.
He will, no doubt, share Pompey fans’ frustrations they are looking at a seventh campaign in League One. After all, he was here to be a difference maker on that front.
Yet a difference maker is exactly what Jacobs usually was when we saw him on the pitch. And, for that, we thank him.