'I was left in Portsmouth wilderness for 20 months with no answers - now I have my belief back': ex-Charlton Athletic man on his Fratton comeback

Arriving from National League Bromley with big ambitions and dreams of making it in league football, Reeco Hackett had been effectively bombed out without being given a chance to prove himself.

One EFL Trophy debut on a Tuesday night at Walsall, and the 24-year-old was then cast into the wilderness by Kenny Jackett with no explanation.

There was to be 20-month chasm in his Fratton career, and loan spells at his former club and Southend, before his next start arrived at Millwall last August.

Danny Cowley effectively saved Hackett's Pompey career, and showed faith in the winger his predecessor hadn't..

The outcome was his maiden Blues goal in the capital against the Championship side, as he slammed home an excellent 20-yard strike.

The moment proved cathartic for the unassuming Londoner, as the frustration of his Pompey career exploded to the surface in celebration.

'I’d say actually say my goal against Millwall was probably the high point of my career,' Hackett admitted, of the Carabao Cup clash.

'It was such a relief after not playing for a year-and-a-half and then having my first competitive start.

'So to score just topped it off. Millwall is fairly local to where I come from, so all my mates and family were there.

'That was 100 per cent one of my best moments so far.

'It wasn’t really because of the situation, but the journey which led up to that point. That was my best moment.

'I definitely felt like it was over for me at times here - on many occasions in fact.

'So to have that moment was special.'

Hackett admitted being left in the wings by Jackett after being signed by the former Pompey boss was a perplexing and ultimately demoralising experience.

'It’s part and parcel of football, but it was hard,' Hackett admitted.

'I was asking all the same questions I was being asked, but getting no answers. It was a tough one.

'I was enjoying my football before and I was doing well.

'Obviously when coming here came up, though, I wanted to get it done.

'But signing and then not really playing a single game was hard to take.

'I never was given any answers why things happened like they did, but then Danny came in and saved me!'

Indeed, it was to be Danny Cowley's arrival last March, which was to prove the big turning point for Hackett's Pompey career.

After believing on many occasions his time at PO4 was over, an appreciative arm was placed around his shoulder as his boss told him how he was valued.

That wasn't to prove empty rhetoric either, as Hackett went on to make 34 appearances last term before a lateral knee ligament injury curtailed his season in February.

The pathway of both player and gaffer are not too far removed from each other, with both doing the hard miles on the non-league circuit.

Hackett believes that has created an empathy between the pair, which has helped boost his confidence at a time when it was needed.

After making his injury return in pre-season with a goal in the success at Gillingham, the aim is to now show Cowley that conviction isn't misplaced.

'I think the gaffer has the same mindset as me,' Hackett added.

'He’s come through the lower leagues and he’s had a similar journey to me.

'I’ve taken steps back many times, but I’ve always come back to a decent level.

'He’s just given me the fresh start I needed.

'I needed some belief and he gave me that.

'He’s given me a platform to kick on.'