Football Season Review

Portsmouth continued to underperform with another disappointing season. Selling out fan ownership to American Michael Eisner was supposed to be the golden ticket back to the Premier League but it has been far from plain sailing for Pompey, who missed out on a play-off place on the final day of the season. Manager Kenny Jackett was under pressure even before they were beaten in the play-off semi-finals last summer and the criticism continued as the side made a steady if unspectacular start to the season. With such an unpopular style success was required and a penalty shoot-out defeat to League 2 Salford City, after being outplayed in the EFL Trophy final at a rain-sodden Wembley, finally marked the end for Jackett. Danny Cowley signed a short-term deal to try and get Pompey into the play-offs and despite showing some improved form; the weak character of the side was fatally exposed in a final day defeat to Accrington Stanley. There is likely to be some significant fall-out following their latest failure although Cowley has impressed the club’s hierarchy and looks like being given the chance to take the club up next season. Craig MacGillivray, Jack Whatmouth, Sean Raggett and Lee Brown did enough to remain part of the squad next season but Cowley will be busy with the likes of Ronan Curtis and Tom Naylor set for summer departures.

Player of the Season: Craig MacGillivray