New boss can shoulder weight of Pompey expectation

The new Blues boss has been backed to handle the weight of expectancy which falls on his shoulders after being appointed the club’s new manager.

The 55-year-old was unveiled as Pompey’s 36th boss on Friday evening, succeeding Paul Cook.

Chief executive Mark Catlin explained a big factor in making the appointment was Jackett’s previous experience with sizeable clubs.

He has delivered at Wolves, Swansea and Millwall with all three clubs demanding success. And Catlin knows it will be a similar story at Fratton Park.

He said: ‘All you can do is try to eliminate the risk.

‘The one thing I’ve learnt in my four years here, and I underestimated it, is the pressure on the manager.

‘I admit I didn’t realise it and I got it wrong.

‘When you are under pressure you don’t make your natural choices.

‘For me, having someone who’s used to big crowds and big expectations was the absolute priority for me. It was the key.

‘That’s what I’ve learnt.

‘That’s what has happened with some of the previous appointments here.

‘I’ve seen people’s personalities change under the weight of pressure.

‘So I think it was key when appointing someone like Kenny, it wasn’t just what he’s achieved but the fact he can handle those pressures.’