Blues head coach eyeing up possible summer signings
Cowley in talks despite uncertainty over his own future
DANNY COWLEY admitted potential Pompey transfer targets are already being identified as he casts his eye on next season.
The new Blues head coach is only contracted to Fratton Park until the end of the current League One campaign.
He replaced previous boss Kenny Jackett in March with the remit of securing Pompey’s place in the playoffs, with any extended PO4 future dependent on that.
Cowley, alongside his brother Nicky, is certainly sticking to his side of the bargain, despite a draw and a defeat in the past two games.
The Blues are currently sixth in the table following four wins from his six matches to date – a marked improvement on the 10th place Pompey found themselves in when the former Huddersfield and Lincoln boss was appointed.
And as he quickly settles into life at the club, throwing himself into the job at hand, the need to look ahead and earmarking potential transfers is something Cowley’s not shying away from.
Indeed, discussions are currently taking place regularly over potential new arrivals, players who are suited to the new management team’s way of playing.
And players are being identified for the Blues’ needs – whether that is in the Championship or League One. Speaking at the Tony Goodall Fans’
Conference, Cowley said: ‘We’ve had good early conversations in regards to recruitment. We’re meeting every week to discuss potential targets.
‘We have ideas for what we’d need in League One and what we’d need in the Championship.
‘We have a clear game plan and game model, and so have a clear idea of what attributes are needed in each position.
‘That gives the recruitment side much more clarity about what is needed.
‘We have good contacts and knowledge at Championship level but also in non-league from our time there.
‘We will get the very best players available to us.’
When asked about his own future by the conference panel, Cowley admitted he and Nicky would love to extend their stays beyond the season.
He added: ‘We’d love the opportunity to be here longer and to experience a full house with the Fratton End sucking the ball into the goal.
‘Right now, we have to wake up each day and prove
3 Pompey are three points above the teams just outside the play-off places
ourselves to all people at the club.
‘We certainly potential here.
‘We feel that we can add value. We believe in our work ethic and skill set.
‘We know for these 12 games we need to win some football matches, show the club our processes and see if we’re compatible for each other.
‘Our ambition is to stay for the see key the longer but we need to show that.
‘It’s the same position for many of the players (who are also out of contract soon).
‘That in itself can be quite powerful.
‘We’re enjoying the opportunity to prove ourselves, we’re working hard every day, we’re very focused on the here and now.
‘That’s important for the football club as we’re at the business end of the season. We’re hoping to get into the play-offs and then win a playoff game.’
Starting with today’s trip to MK Dons, Pompey have six games remaining this season.
Their subsequent opponents are relegation-threatened trio Swindon, Bristol Rovers and AFC Wimbledon, and mid-table Accrington, who they will play twice.