Jackett: We won't take Rochdale lightly
![Pompey defender Tom Davies Picture: Shaun Boggust](https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/webimg/legacy_oak_96777545.jpg?crop=3:2,smart&width=640&quality=65&enable=upscale)
![Pompey defender Tom Davies Picture: Shaun Boggust](/img/placeholder.png)
Kenny Jackett believes his men won’t lose sight of the challenge Keith Hill’s side offer in the wake of the club’s takeover.
Rochdale have finished around the League One play-offs for the past three seasons, emphasising the kind of test they will provide in the League One opener.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdJackett said: ‘I don’t think anyone will be taking them lightly. You can look at their record and call them a well-established and top-end League One side. That’s where they’ve been – and you wouldn’t bet against them doing it again this season.
‘So, for us, it’s a good test to see where we are as we go up to a new level.’
Tom Davies is vying to start with Jack Whatmough in the league opener – and earned Jackett’s praise for his resolve shown in pre-season.
‘Credit to him. The injuries to Matt Clarke and Nathan Thompson have given Tom the games in pre-season,’ said the manager.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad‘So you’d say the opportunity has come for Tom. At different times Clarke, Burgess and Thompson haven’t been around.
‘That’s given him a chance because there’s nothing like watching them in those games to assess them.
‘You do need that type of strength-in-depth.
‘He’s a whole-hearted and committed player who wants to do well in his career and do well for the club. That’s a very good start.’
– JORDAN CROSS