Rotherham boss Paul Warne has spoken of his admiration for Kenny Jackett - and of the shock he felt when the now Pompey boss walked out on Rotherham last season.

Warne was with the Millers for Jackett's 39-day reign with them last season and ahead of the sides' meeting at Fratton Park on Sunday, he told the Yorkshire Post: 'I think everyone was shocked. I don’t think it was a decision that he took lightly. But things happen; certain players go to certain clubs and it works or doesn’t work.

'It doesn’t make them a bad player and it is the same with managers. I think Kenny is a really good manager and he is very experienced in this league, especially. I think his team will do really well this season.

'But I was surprised (when he left) obviously. I spoke to him in the car park on the Monday (after he resigned) and he was really good and we sent a couple of texts. I look forward to seeing him on Sunday. I really liked him. He was the first one in at the training ground every day and he was really diligent and his training sessions were really good and the lads always knew what they had to do and what he expected from them.

'He empowered all his staff and we all had an input on the players he wanted to see and look at. I think he made the staff feel valued, which was good and important to the club. I had a brilliant relationship with him and really liked him. So I think I learned a little more in terms of attention to detail possibly. I think he was more intense than previous regimes and I liked him.'

Saturday's League One results have left Pompey 15th and Rotherham 20th in the table. The Blues could hit the top 10 with a victory.

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