Targets being identified as Danny Cowley makes Portsmouth transfer admission

The new Blues head coach is only contracted to Fratton Park until the end of the season.

He replaced previous boss Kenny Jackett in March with the remit of securing Pompey’s place in the play-offs, with any extended PO4 future dependent on that.

Cowley, along side his brother Nicky, is certainly sticking to his side of the bargain, despite a draw and a defeat in their two past games.

The Blues are currently sixth in the table following four wins from his six games to date – a marked improvement on the 10th place Pompey found themselves when the former Huddersfield and Lincoln boss was appointed.

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And as he quickly settles into life at the club, throwing himself into the job at hand, the need to look ahead and earmarking potential transfers is something not Cowley’s shying away from.

Indeed, discussions are currently taking place regularly over potential new arrivals, players who are suited to the new management team’s way of playing.

And players are being identified for the Blues’ needs – whether that is in the Championship or League One.

Speaking at the Tony Goodall Fans’ Conference, Cowley said: ‘We’ve had good early conversations in regards to recruitment. We’re meeting every week to discuss potential targets.

‘We have ideas for what we’d need in League One and what we’d need in the Championship.

‘We have a clear game plan and game model, and so have a clear idea of what attributes are needed in each position.

‘That gives the recruitment side much more clarity about what is needed.

‘We have good contacts and knowledge at Championship level but also in non-league from our time there.

‘We will get the very best players available to us.’

When asked about his own future by the conference panel, Cowley admitted he and Nicky would love to extend their stays beyond the season.

He added: ‘We’d love the opportunity to be here longer and to experience a full house with the Fratton End sucking the ball into the goal.

‘Right now, we have to wake up each day and prove ourselves to all the key people at the club.

‘We certainly see the potential here.

‘We feel that we can add value. We believe in our work ethic and skill set.

‘We know for these 12 games we need to win some football matches, show the club our processes and see if we’re compatible for each other.

‘Our ambition is to stay for longer but we need to show that.

‘It’s the same position for many of the players (who are also out of contract soon).

‘That in itself can be quite powerful.

‘We’re enjoying the opportunity to prove ourselves, we’re working hard every day, we’re very focused on the here and now.

‘That’s important for the football club as we’re at the business end of the season. We’re hoping to get into the play-offs and then win a play-off game.’