Portsmouth manager Danny Cowley says winger Michael Jacobs has been “mucked around, messed around” by Town following the collapse of the 29-year-old's move to Portman Road. Cowley says the former Derby man wasn’t aware of Town’s last-gasp volte-face on the switch until he told him.
As revealed on Friday, Jacobs was at the club to undergo a medical and complete the formalities on what had been a protracted move from Fratton Park.
The deal was done bar the final rubber-stamp with a rigorous having been medical passed.
However, Town had become aware that another preferred target, former West Brom winger Kyle Edwards, was available with his trial at AFC Bournemouth having come to an end and instead they opted to sign the 23-year-old, who was on a free transfer and has the potential to be sold on for a more significant fee later on down the line.
"We got into a good place on Thursday, which allowed us to accept the bid for Michael,” Cowley told the Portsmouth News.
"They agreed personal terms and they did a medical. Michael passed that medical, so I am told. For whatever reason the deal didn’t happen.
"I found out yesterday afternoon. I told Michael, he didn’t know. I was ringing Ipswich all day Sunday, trying to find out, for everyone’s benefit.
"What happened — and this does happen in football — is that Ipswich agreed the deal and then another player became available and they decided to go with the other player.
"Michael appreciated my honesty. He needed clarity himself and once I found out I told him.
"He is one of my players, I care a lot for him. You think ‘How would I want to be treated in that position?’.
"I always try to walk in their shoes and would want to know and, even if it’s not my place to tell him, I think I have a responsibility to tell him.
"He’s a really good kid and he has been mucked around, messed around. Football never ceases to amaze you, doesn’t it?”
Cowley says there will be no repercussions for Jacobs, who he says could play in this evening’s Carabao Cup tie at Millwall.
He says that as an experienced player the wideman will understand the situation: "Mentally he’ll be fine. He’s 29 years of age, he has lived football long enough to know we are just pawns in the game.
"When he felt he was leaving there was an air of disappointment that it was kind of unfinished business, he hadn't achieved what he wanted to here.
"None of us are in control, so what can we control? We can control how we behave and how we conduct ourselves. We can control and react to circumstances and situations.
"I will find the best way of playing with the best players we have at our disposal — including Michael.”
Meanwhile, more details have emerged regarding Blues target Joe Morrell’s move to Pompey, which was confirmed last night.
According to the Portsmouth News, the deal on offer at Town was weighted around appearances and further add-ons, while, as seemed likely, the Wales international had concerns regarding where he would be in the Town pecking order given the squad which is being assembled at Portman Road, whereas he is set to be among the top earners and a first-choice at Fratton Park.