2019 has not been kind to Portsmouth fans. The south-coast club occupied the League One summit at the turn of the year, but they have since slumped to fourth place, with automatic promotion hopes fading.
The latest blow was dealt on Saturday evening when Pompey were sunk by play-off rivals Charlton, with goals from Joe Aribo and Lyle Taylor securing a 2-1 victory.
The result means that Portsmouth have won just once since January 1st. They have lost four and drawn five games in a run that does not resemble that of promotion contenders.
Pompey now face an important trip to face 16th placed Walsall on Tuesday night in a match manager Kenny Jackett will be targeting to return to winning ways after a testing few months.
But if Pompey are to stand any chance of success in the play-offs, they must learn to adapt a game plan which has barely changed all season.
Jackett is famed for his direct style of football, which previously brought huge success when Portsmouth enjoyed an 11-game unbeaten run at the start of the season.
But Pompey’s League One rivals have since become more accustomed with Jackett’s system that relies heavily on long balls and physicality.
However, Jackett has persisted with this game plan despite his side looking a capable passing side with the ball at feet - this has led to unrest within the fanbase.
Bryn Morris and Ben Close possess effective distribution skills from the centre of midfield, which could be used to feed the likes of Jamal Lowe, Omar Bogle and Ronan Curtis.
Jackett should explore this passing route more often in order to establish an air of unpredictability around an increasingly stale Pompey side.
The best managers are those who demonstrate their ability to adjust when times become tough. It is now time for Jackett to vary his instructions in order to create a more multi-faceted Pompey side as they prepare for the play-offs.