Michael Jacobs signed a one-year contract extension at Portsmouth earlier this week, in an important agreement to strengthen Pompey's potential promotion bid in 2022/23.

The 30-year-old has chipped in with 18 goal contributions in 54 appearances for the club in the last two seasons, one every three games, and is very experienced towards the top end of League One.

It seemed highly likely that the former Wigan Athletic man was going to depart Fratton Park last summer, but no deal was finalised and Jacobs is now a key part of Danny Cowley's plans.

BBC South's Andrew Moon revealed some interesting background information on Twitter this morning, having spoken to Cowley about Jacobs' new deal.

Cowley said: "It’s more performance based which ultimately suits where Michael is in his career… it’s a good deal for all parties, he gives the team something different."

Cowley chopped and changed a fair amount with personnel and tactics in his first full season in the dugout on the South Coast.

Keeping Jacobs at the club for at least another season was a sensible move due to his reliability, compared to some of their more inconsistent attacking players.

Performance-based may be in reference to bonusses but also in potentially triggering an extension, should the 30-year-old be heavily involved next season.

The Verdict

Jacobs played in a wide variety of positions last term, and does seem to be transitioning into a more central player with age, be it as an attack-minded central midfielder or as an out and out striker.

One thing that instantly stands out when watching the 30-year-old is the intelligence of his movement and ball manipulation, enabling him to be just as effective at this stage of his career, despite losing a bit of the explosiveness that saw him compete regularly in the Championship.

Expectations will always be high with Portsmouth in League One, and after taking a season to embed a philosophy and culture into the group, Danny and Nicky Cowley will be desperate to kick on towards a top six finish.