Latest on Portsmouth bringing in former Huddersfield and Lincoln boss ahead of Ipswich clash

The new Blues boss is expected to be officially confirmed as Kenny Jackett’s successor, with the club landing their preferred choice to turn around a foundering season.

Cowley has agreed an interim position until the end of the campaign, covering the Blues’ final 12 league games and any play-off fixtures.

The 42-year-old was today expected to meet the first-team squad and take his first training session at the club’s Roko base, but Covid protocols have delayed that process.

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The 42-year-old held successful talks yesterday, ahead of a video call with the club’s American owners.

Those introductions passed off smoothly, leaving the former Huddersfield man to turn his attention to preparing to take on Paul Cook’s side and get his new team’s campaign back on track.

Cowley has quickly emerged as Pompey’s preferred option, after the club took the decision to end Jackett’s near four-year reign on Sunday.

Former Cardiff and Millwall boss Neil Harris and ex-Barnsley and Hearts manager Daniel Stendel were both under early consideration, but it’s the former PE teacher who ticked the right boxes in the club’s search.

Cowley was initially understood to want a longer agreement until the summer, but on reflection felt the opportunity and potential rewards of getting Pompey’s season firing again was too good to turn down.

The ex-Lincoln boss has been out of work since securing Huddersfield’s place in the Championship last July.

His season-long stay at the John Smith’s Stadium follows three outstanding years at Lincoln where he guided the Imps from the National League to League One, along with FA Cup and EFL Trophy success.

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