Jackett's cry ahead of Rochdale test
The waiting is almost over.
Pompey and Rochdale players will take to the Fratton turf on Saturday to start their respective League One campaigns.
It is an exciting time on the south coast, with new owners, players and manager – as well as the team competing in a new division.
And with a packed stadium ready to greet the side, Kenny Jackett knows his side have to meet expectations.
The Blues boss said: “There is fantastic support home and away – and it’s up to us now to get the equation right on the pitch.
“We need to take that responsibility to make sure they have got something to sing about.
"The level of support hasn’t surprised me because it’s the reason I’m here."
“Our aim is to play attacking and winning football. We want the type of performances that will get the fans working as the 12th man.
“The level of support hasn’t surprised me because it’s the reason I’m here. This is a great club with a lot of potential.”
Pompey will be competing in the third tier of English football for the first time since suffering relegation at the end of the 2012/13 campaign.
Jackett said: “The players are fit and hungry to compete at a new level after four seasons in League Two.
“That was too long for a club of Pompey’s status and so everyone’s excited about what lies ahead.
“Optimism and anticipation are good things, and we want to capitalise on the momentum built up last season.”
Jackett has welcomed the arrival of Michael Eisner’s Tornante Company, who completed their purchase of the club on Thursday.
He said: “They’ve been around all week and getting to know everybody. They’ve been very positive and very clear in what they want to achieve.”