POMPEY boss Kenny Jackett said he appreciated the backing and passion of blues fans on the Isle of Wight at a special fans' forum at Fratton Park last night (Thursday).

Jackett and Portsmouth chief executive, Mark Catlin, told an audience of about 200 fans about plans for the redevelopment of Fratton Park, assessed how the club could cope with vastly increased wage bills should they gain promotion to the Championship and assessed how the team has performed so far this season.

Jackett also spoke about the important part Pompey's fans will play in the League One run-in and singled out the Island's legion of blues supporters.

"We have a big fan base on the Island and we appreciate the passion the supporters have for the club," he said after the meeting.

"I've been to the Island a few times and met the Isle of Wight Pompey Supporters Club. I enjoyed talking to the fans and listening to their views.

"I also took my wife to the Island once. It's a very nice place." 

Not long after taking the reins at Fratton Park in 2017, Jackett brought his Portsmouth side to St George's Park for a pre-season friendly against Newport, who beat the Islanders 7-0.

Pompey currently sit fifth in the League One table with 12 games remaining, will face Arsenal in the fifth round of the FA Cup at Fratton Park on Monday and will face Salford City in the final of EFL Trophy at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, April 5.

The Isle of Wight Pompey Supporters Club will be taking more than 100 fans to Wembley, with many more non-members from the Isle of Wight likely to descend on the capital for the occasion.