Portsmouth boss willing to break transfer policy that reaped rewards for Paul Cook

After Paul Cook got past the pain of Peter Hartley’s injury-time winner in the 2016 League Two play-off semi-final against Plymouth, he immediately set about engineering another promotion charge.

It was widely recognised that wholesale changes to a side that already boasted the likes of Enda Stevens, Matt Clarke, Christian Burgess, Gareth Evans and Kyle Bennett wasn’t required.

Only tinkering was needed.

But to improve the starting XI heading into the 2016-17 season, Cook opted for more experience alongside the battle-hardened Michael Doyle and Gary Roberts.

David Forde, aged 36 and a Republic of Ireland international, arrived on a season-long loan from Millwall to remedy the goalkeeping problem of the previous campaign.

Meanwhile, Carl Baker – who’d been promoted with Coventry and MK Dons – arrived aged 33.

Both were regulars for Pompey, injecting nous, know-how and character which bore fruit. Pompey ended the season as champions.

However, when it comes to Cook’s successor’s recruitment, it has been fairly contrasting.

Kenny Jackett’s signings profusely fit into two categories. The first is bringing in young players on the up, who he helps fulfil their potential and have resale value.

It’s worked wonders with the likes of Marcus Harness, Ronan Curtis and Andy Cannon.

The Blues manager has also often targeted those who are entering their best years or are there already, usually in their mid-20s – like Tom Naylor, John Marquis and Lee Brown.

But going after new additions who are into their 30s? That’s something Jackett usually eschews.

During his three-and-a-half years in the PO4 driving seat, James Vaughan represents the only player to arrive who’s been in his 30s – and he was brought in only as cover on January deadline day.

It’s why Pompey’s interest in Charlie Daniels this month makes such a move so intriguing.

By no means would it be an archetypal Jackett signing.

Although age is no concern, according to Jackett, Daniels is 34 and in the latter stages of his career.

What’s more, he’d be arriving to compete with Lee Brown, who turned 30 in August, for a left-back spot.

Jackett usually likes a dynamic, up-and-comer to challenge Brown for a starting spot – such as Cam Pring or Steve Seddon.

However, with the Blues now trying to be promoted from League One at the fourth time of asking, perhaps breaking usual principles is a necessity.

With more than 100 appearances in the Premier League under his belt, Daniels would certainly bring a bit of quality.

However, the most important attribute would instead be leadership, something you can’t have too much of in any dressing room.

Having sealed promotion twice in his career, Daniels knows what it takes to go up – just like Baker and Forde did.

Certainly, it’s short-term vision that goes against the Eisners’ long-term target of returning to the Premier League and elevating Pompey into a global brand.

But to get to the top flight, you first need to reach the next step – that’s the Championship.

A policy that paid dividends for Cook may be what Jackett feels is needed to finally get Pompey back into the second tier.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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