Cook reveals Pompey loan approach

PAUL COOK is planning a cautious approach to the new loan system.
Pompey boss Paul Cook Picture: Joe PeplerPompey boss Paul Cook Picture: Joe Pepler
Pompey boss Paul Cook Picture: Joe Pepler

But the Pompey boss admitted he still has no idea how severe the impact of it will be on Football League sides.

Following the scrapping of the emergency loan window, clubs are entering uncharted territory this season.

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That means no loan recruits will be allowed between August 31 and January 1, 2017.

With a squad of 29 players, Cook is hopeful he has assembled options to combat the issue.

‘From August 31 we will have the new loan window coming in where you can’t bring anyone in,’ said Cook.

‘So it’s very interesting times ahead for clubs.

‘We are going to be very patient and methodical in what we do, knowing the league is our bread and butter.

‘Budgets are huge for all clubs.

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‘We have a good squad, but no-one knows what will happen. None of us know.

‘Before we went to Plymouth for the play-offs we were struggling to train. We had no-one left.

‘So, from our point of view, it’s a very cautious approach.

‘It certainly will be in terms of the EFL Trophy and the other cups.

‘I don’t want anything to detract from our promotion campaign.’

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Cook can still recruit loan players until the end of the month, but knows doing so brings certain pressures.

He said: ‘If you take loan players the parent club wants them to play.

‘So you have the double whammy of bringing in a kid who might not be ready or good enough and someone you might disturb your squad with. It’s difficult.

‘When we get to October or November we will find out about squads and depth.’

– JORDAN CROSS