'One of the biggest disappointments of our lives' - classy Danny Cowley speaks for first time following his sacking as Portsmouth head coach

Speaking ‘from the heart’, the former Pompey boss has released a statement through the League Managers Association to express thanks for all the support he and his brother Nicky received during their time at the club.

And he confessed that the duo will see their failure to bring success back to the Blues as ‘one of the biggest disappointments of our lives’.

Cowley was sacked as Pompey head coach the day after his side’s 3-1 defeat to Charlton on New Year’s Day.

That saw the Blues drop to 12th in the table and stretch their winless run in the league to nine games.

In the statement, Cowley said he took full responsibility for Pompey’s current woes.

However, he urged supporters to remain positive, backed the current crop of players, and spoke glowing about Michael Eisner and his family – plus CEO Andy Cullen – as they attempt to build a club the fan base can be proud of for many years to come.

He also wished director of football Richard Hughes, his successor and the club as a whole well for the future, saying that he’ll be supporting them all from afar.

The statement, which was issued on behave of both Danny and Nicky, reads:

‘Apologies for the time it has taken to write this… We were trying to find the right words. Not sure we have but this is the best we can do right now… Firstly, we would like to thank Portsmouth, the football club, the city and most importantly you the fans.

‘To the owners, players and the staff, Nicky and I are extremely grateful for the opportunity to have worked with you all. Our lives are better for meeting you.

‘We couldn’t bring the club the success on the pitch in the time that we were given. It is and will remain one of the biggest disappointments of our lives. For us, it is always to look in the mirror not out the window. To take responsibility for the situation, own it and to learn.

‘There is no city quite like Portsmouth. The people are genuine, real, loyal and honest as they come. You certainly say it as it is. The passion you show for the club is unquestionable.

‘We know some of you are angry, frustrated and disappointed with the club right now. However, everyone that has love for the club should try their best to bring positivity, no matter how hard that may be. Without it, success will be very hard to achieve.

‘Please support the players, they are good people in a difficult moment. They needs your help. Stick with them. Remember, you the supporters are what makes this football club so incredibly special.

‘Michael Eisner and his family have the club’s very best intentions at heart. They want the club to be successful but also for it to have longevity. They are gradually building the foundations. When success comes and we believe it will, the club will be ready.

‘Andy Cullen is one of the kindest and most caring people you could ever wish to work with. He has an excellent work ethic, given time, he will help the club operate on a much higher level.

‘To Richard Hughes, the new incoming head coach and the rest of the football department, we wish you nothing but success. Although there is a long way to go, we hope you can continue the work towards creating an elite environment for the players. We will always be cheering you along from afar.

‘Nicky and I are already missing football. Our Dad, introduced us to the game and we have loved it ever since. We’ve learnt so much during our journey, particularly from this experience. To manage in 8 of the top 9 divisions in this country has been an absolute privilege and we look forward to the next challenge.

‘These words come from the heart. You take this how like. See the best or see the worst. Ultimately that will be your choice.

‘Portsmouth the football club and you the people will always have a special place in our hearts.

‘Play up Pompey’

Danny & Nicky Cowley.