Danny Cowley gives response to prospect of long-term Portsmouth stay

And the Blues boss gave a glowing tribute to his new surroundings, as the Blues revived their play-off ambitions with a 1-0 win over Bristol Rovers.

The News understands there’s strong support for Cowley to remain at Fratton Park for the long haul whatever the outcome to the season, as revealed on Friday.

The 42-year-old stated he’s not interested in focussing on his own future with the bid to finish in the top six at a critical moment.

But that doesn’t mean the Essex man isn’t building a strong affinity with the club where he’s currently contracted until the end of the season.

Cowley said: ‘I’m just focussed on this (the season). It’s not about me and Nicky, it’s about the team and the club.

‘I just want to put all my energy and focus into that, and then what will be will be. I can’t control that.

‘The guys will make their decision for this football club, and rightly so.

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‘If there is someone they think is better than Nicky and I, then they will appoint someone better than Nicky and I.

‘We’ve loved our time here and we’re doing all we can to extend it.

‘But rather than worrying what could happen, I’m going to focus on the here and now and this football club. That is where all my energy is.

‘I love this club. I’ve only been here a short time, but this already feels like a special place to me.’

Cowley gave a passionate endorsement to the environment he’s now working in, with the Pompey head coach telling of his growing affinity for Fratton Park in particular.

He said: ‘I would love to go around and give the fans a clap, but I can’t

‘I’ve been here since the Burton game but I already love it here and love this ground.

‘I even like the little squares on the pitch! I know it sounds really stupid but it just looks really green.

‘And I love the stands. It’s an old football ground.

‘I’ve been to The Emirates, Wembley and the London Stadium but give me this and places like Upton Park.

‘I know the young people are supposed to want to sit and eat prawn sandwiches.

‘But this is it - this is proper football.

‘For people like us, we went with our parents and lived it.

‘We’d go to the game, get fish and chips after and then look at the results on Teletext. That was it.

‘I don’t think football is about business or corporate, it’s about passion.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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