Tom Naylor nails colours to the mast when it comes to Danny Cowley's Portsmouth future beyond this season

Last night's goalless draw at Crewe represented the halfway stage of the head coach's short-term contract.

Cowley, along with brother Nicky, succeeded Kenny Jackett in the hot seat with 12 matches of the League One season remaining.

He took charge on an interim basis until the end of the campaign.

Since his arrival, Cowley has engineered four wins, one draw and a defeat which has lifted the Blues back into the play-off places.

The ex-Lincoln chief has brought enthusiasm and optimism back among the Fratton faithful, having grown apathetic towards the end of Jackett's tenure.

And Naylor would like to see Cowley remain at PO4 for the long term.

Pompey s captain said: 'Definitely, 100 per cent they are the right people to stay.

‘They're slowly settling into the club and what they want us to do.

‘Credit is given where credit is due. They have done a very good job so far so it's a good appointment.

‘From day one, they said it doesn't happen overnight and it'll take time.

‘It's been five weeks since the gaffer came in and the change of play has changed for the better of the club and the players.

‘It's a lot better than kicking it, trying to get second balls, this and that. Every manager is different throughout the country but we've got a good manager who wants to play.’

Cowley's implemented a more possession-based brand of football that Pompey are still acclimatising to.

Naylor is enjoying the challenge of his new responsibilities – particularly playing out from the back.

He added: ‘He wants us to do a bit of half and half. He wants me to try to get in the middle (of the centre-backs) and get the ball off Craig (MacGillivray).

‘If it's not on then I vacate and Ben Close comes in. It's different to what I'm used to but I like it, am enjoying it and hopefully it continues.’

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