Pompey new boy ready to take centre stage

Danny Rose wants to be a central figure in Pompey's promotion push next season.
New Pompey midfielder Danny RoseNew Pompey midfielder Danny Rose
New Pompey midfielder Danny Rose

That’s just as well for the Blues new boy as boss Paul Cook sees his role in the team as exactly that.

Rose has explained he made the switch from League Two champions Northampton to compete for a central-midfield berth.

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And the 28-year-old, who became Cook’s first summer signing last week, is under no illusions as to what part he is expected to play for the club going forward.

He said: ‘Paul Cook spoke about the philosophy he has in terms of his playing style and how he sees me fitting into that, as well as all of the other players.

‘It is well known he likes to play out from the back and a game for the real purists.

‘As a central-midfield player he sees me being able to get on the ball and keep the team ticking over.

‘Over the years I have played wide, here and there.

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‘But I am naturally a central midfielder and that’s where the manager sees me playing.

‘I am there to get the ball to the players who are going to go and win us the game more often than not.

‘In that midfield role you need to be able to break play up and win possession back as well and I am happy to do that.’

Rose will officially join the Fratton Park club on July 1 when his Cobblers contract comes to an end.

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The League One newcomers had been keen to keep hold of the man they signed on a short-term deal from fellow promoted outfit Oxford midway through last season.

Rose, though, is motivated to not only emulate his previous clubs’ achievements but build on them.

And the former England C international sees no reason why the Blues cannot become the next Burton Albion in securing successive promotions from League Two to the Championship.

Everything is in place at Fratton Park for his two-year stay to be a memorable one.

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Rose said: ‘There is no doubt and no hiding the fact that Portsmouth is the biggest club in the division.

‘And with the stadium, infrastructure and training ground it should be higher than where it is.

‘Given how much the club progressed last season from the season before, it just shows Portsmouth is going in the right direction and Paul is at the front of that leading the way.

‘Along with a couple more additions, I am sure the club can go one better than last year – that is exactly where we want to be.

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‘And there is no reason why a club that gets promoted from League Two can’t then do it again in League One.

‘I think every team can take inspiration from what Burton have done.

‘In terms of size of club, they are much smaller than Portsmouth but they have kept a nucleus of a squad together and showed what can happen.’