I wrote this - for my Bone Idle Gossip column in the Sports Mail - before the weekend's clash with Oldham. and on the basis that you should not change your views after one defeat, I'll stand by it ... for now.

Brett Pitman's four-week absence is a bitter blow, but for now, here's my quick 10-games-in verdict...

They say you can only start to judge what sort of season a team are going to have after 10 games.

So seeing as Pompey have now passed that number, it would be impolite not to get out the wig and gavel and offer a verdict.

I should confess last Tuesday’s win over Bristol Rovers was only the second competitive Blues game I’ve been at so far this season, so I’m not as well-qualified as many to say what Kenny Jackett is doing right or wrong.

But having seen that victory and the defeat to Rotherham, I’ve probably seen Pompey at something like their best and worst.

My impression after the 1-0 loss to the Millers a month ago was that Jackett had changed too much of the side all at once.

Bringing in five or six new guys in a short space of time is never likely to bring instant success, but the month since the team took on a radical new look has shown many positive signs.

The win over Rovers was probably the best sign yet that this squad are capable of being very effective, if not always pretty to watch.

Of the men who have made their debuts in September, I particularly like the look of Nathan Thompson and Matt Kennedy. Both have the potential to become firm crowd favourites.

As for Brett Pitman, he could be the League One signing of the year. If he carries on scoring at his present rate, particularly at Fratton, he will quickly earn himself a chapter in a future Neil Allen book as well as general God-like status.

Ten games in, Pompey sat 11th (now after 11, it's 15th and not looking quite so clever).

It’s not impossible to think 11th is roughly where we’ll end up, maybe slightly higher — and for a first season in League One, that’ll certainly do for me.

Read Steve Bone's columns in the Sports Mail and the Pompey matchday programme throughout the season Email stevebonepfc@googlemail.com Tweet @stevebone1

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