Incoming boss gains ringing endorsement from former Portsmouth, Wigan and current Ipswich manager Paul Cook

And the former Pompey boss admitted he was certain his successor, Kenny Jackett, would guide his old club to the Championship.

Cook revealed how Cowley sent his congratulations when the Scouser was appointed at Ipswich earlier this month - a job the incoming Blues manager was keen on.

And the man who left Pompey for Wigan in 2017 has told how he’s got an eye on a Wembley final with his old club ahead of his return tomorrow.

Cook said: ‘Kenny is a good man, a real football person and I thought he would be the man to take them up.

‘Now it’s Danny and Nicky’s chance to have a go. I’ve already messaged Danny - he sent me a lovely message when I got the Ipswich job.

‘This is a tough industry and it’s tough enough without wishing ill on people. I hope Danny and Nicky take the club up.

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‘I spoke to Mark Catlin about a Pompey v Ipswich final at Wembley. Wouldn’t that be nice for everyone!

‘I really do wish Portsmouth well.’

Cook can see the comparison between his current club and the outfit he spent two years after arriving in 2015, a place where, along with disappointments, he can reflect on many happy memories.

He added: ‘Portsmouth is one of the first results I look for.

‘It’s the same as Ipswich, Wolves and Leeds - these clubs will be successful. Sunderland will get back to the top one day soon. It’s life.

‘The disappointing thing is I didn’t see it through without a shadow of a doubt.

‘I was driving in with Gary Roberts thinking back on my time as manager - and you think about the good days.

‘You don’t remember the bad ones - and there’s so many of them in football.

‘The reason we worked so hard every day and strife to get better is when those special days come - they are so special.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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