Portsmouth's Tom Naylor has stated that he had full faith in Kenny Jackett during a difficult start to the season.

Pompey were sluggish in the opening months of the campaign and had somewhat of a play-off hangover as they struggled to get anywhere near the League One top six.

Supporters called for Jackett to go but the manager managed to turn it around and his side are now on a great run, looking like they may well have a chance of promotion this season.

Not only that, but Portsmouth are also into the fifth round of the FA Cup and set to host Arsenal at Fratton Park.

Naylor has expressed that he always had faith in Jackett despite the tough period that the side went through, and insisted it was just as much the players themselves at fault rather than the manager.

Speaking to Portsmouth News, he said: "Everyone was trying their best but it just wasn’t gelling with new lads coming. Now, since about November time, everyone knows what their job is and believe we can do it.

"I had so much faith in the gaffer when he was in that situation. Everyone was saying it was the gaffer’s fault but we are the lads who are on the pitch."

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The Verdict

Naylor is a very honest professional and it's good to see him speak so openly about some rather controversial times at Portsmouth.

The club has been a big part of the player's career and it's nice that he had the backing of the manager even when others around the club didn't.

They are now in red-hot form and no one would bet against them to be a side that could get into the automatic places let alone the play-offs.

If Jackett can get the side promotion then he'll go down a hero, which is exactly what it appears Naylor wants to see happen.