Portsmouth owner Michael Eisner has thrown his support behind manager Kenny Jackett and his side amid calls for the Pompey boss to be sacked.

Tuesday night sees the South Coast side come up against arch-rivals Southampton at Fratton Park in the EFL Cup and Eisner has moved to make his position clear ahead of the huge match.

Taking to Twitter on Monday night, he wrote: "Of course I am aware of our poor start. Of course I am disappointed by it. But support is what I will give and hope all fans, and I am one, will also give. Very tough match tomorrow. Let’s back the team."

Last weekend saw Pompey lose their third match of the season, succumbing to a 1-0 defeat against ten-man Wycombe Wanderers, leaving them languishing just one place above the relegation zone.

Having pushed for automatic promotion last season, the same was expected again from Jackett and his side, and were made one of the favourites to secure a place in the Championship next season.

After their clash witht the Saints, Pompey welcome steadily improving Bolton Wanderers before facing a menacing trip to Doncaster Rovers.

The verdict

This will not go down at all well with large swaves Portsmouth fans.

Many are absolutely desperate to see Jackett replaced. Not just because of results, but his stubborn style of play which has proved both ineffective and tough on the eye at times.

However, given his run to the play-off semi-finals last season, it is perhaps a reasonable stance for Eisner to take for now.

Anything other than a win against Bolton and it is hard to see him hanging onto his position.