Cowley’s cut-throat handling of role at the back with possible departure
IN pursuit of first-team perfection, Danny Cowley’s right-back ruthlessness has been clearly apparent.
Many felt condemning Callum Johnson to a Fleetwood exile was harsh following an encouraging maiden season.
Then replacement Kieron Freeman was handed the opening six League One matches, before swiftly jettisoned in favour of perceived upgrade Mahlon Romeo.
If that wasn’t cutthroat enough, the Blues are now ready to listen to offers for 30-year-old Freeman, who signed a two-year deal with a club option in July 2021.
Indeed, Freeman was a Cowley signing, his fifth to be precise, yet, within a year, the former Sheffield United man could be departing Fratton Park.
There may still be a future for Freeman, of course. For all the interest registered by admirers such as Hull, Mansfield and Swindon, he may still remain on the south coast.
Take Michael Jacobs, who appeared destined for Ipswich in one transfer window, then Doncaster in another, only to be handed a fresh Pompey deal earlier this month.
Nonetheless, Cowley has demonstrated his callous side during the hunt for the ideal Blues right-back.
All part of the cut and thrust of football, of course, as Pompey’s ambitious head coach strives to drag a club out of League One after five years of stagnation.
A promotion challenge in the forthcoming season is crucial, whether through the automatic route or playoffs, backed by a third transfer window few managers are fortunate to receive.
As a consequence, Cowley has tough calls to make and, in this instance, they have come at the expense of
Johnson and Freeman.
Johnson remains a curious case, his departure greeted with much sympathy from supporters, regardless, Cowley had sufficient time to assess his talents during the final 11 matches of the campaign following his interim arrival.
After all, Johnson was was third choice in The News/Sports Mail Player of the Season for 2020-21.
The head coach knows precisely what he wants from a Pompey right-back – and isn’t afraid to ditch those he feels are unable to reach such essential levels.