Portsmouth boss reveals position on plundering free agent market for further signings

The Pompey boss will not consider bringing in out-of-contract players as the transfer window came to a close

Josh Koroma became the 12th and final addition of the summer, as he sealed a season-long loan from Huddersfield just before the 11pm deadline on Thursday night.

That leaves Cowley well placed in terms of squad depth and quality to attack the months ahead, after a table-topping start to the season from his team.

The Blues head coach was ideally looking at bringing in up to three new faces before the close of the window, with further additions dependent on exits which didn’t materialise.

A combative midfielder and left-sided defender were the other player profiles Cowley was looking at.

That, in theory, could be found among the free agents who could still be signed like Swansea defender Ryan Bennett, who has left the Liberty Stadium.

But the Pompey boss confirmed that’s not on his radar.

He said: ‘No (he will not sign free agents), we are where we want to be with the group.

‘We probably don’t have the depth of some of the teams in this division, but we are pleased with the work we’ve done.

‘We have competition in most positions which is positive.

‘We now have to find that balance of being demanding with the group technically and tactically, but also physically and mentally.

‘Also though we have to keep everyone fit and fresh for the challenges which will come out.

‘So no, I don’t think we’ll need to use that market.’