Marquis: changeat top good for squad

JOHN MARQUIS admitted a managerial change has done Pompey good.

The striker has spoken of the ‘challenging’ and ‘difficult’ times faced through the Blues’ struggles at the end of Kenny Jackett’s tenure.

Marquis believes his team will benefit from the change of approach and the highpressing formula employed by the Cowleys.

The early signs are promising on that front after back-to-back league wins lifted Pompey back into the play-off places.

Marquis believes the team can now look forward after emerging from a testing period under Jackett.

He said: ‘I felt at times it was difficult for us and we went through some difficult patches. But I feel a change sometimes is good, whether that’s a player or a manager it can help.

‘It’s a different style and different outlook.

‘We have good technical players so maybe playing a different way we can see where that takes us.

‘With the manager and Nicky here, you can see they leave no stone unturned. They put the hours in analysing training, drills and research.’

Questions were asked of Marquis and his confidence levels as the 28-year-old hit a relative barren run of 2 goals in 13 games and four in 23 outings, after blasting in nine finishes in eight last October and November.

The former Doncaster man is adamant his belief has never wavered, however, but he now feels better placed under Danny Cowley to get on a goalscoring run.

Marquis added: ‘I didn’t feel my confidence was ever too down. I’m not one to get too high or too low. I firmly believe in my capabilities and what I can do as a player.

‘My record over the past five or six seasons speaks for itself.’