Why German flags have turned to cow emojis as Portsmouth fans warm to Danny Cowley after conducting due dilligence

The sheer number of black, red and gold tricolour emojis next to Pompey fans' Twitter names was uncountable. Umpteen supporters let their thoughts known who they wanted to see appointed Kenny Jackett's successor at the Fratton Park helm.

Daniel Stendel garnered ardent backing after The News reported he was on the shortlist. Blues followers were convinced he was the man to reignite the faltering League One play-off push.

Having led Barnsley to the Championship two years ago, they were convinced the German could do the same on the south coast – only with an expansive style of football they'd been deprived of under Jackett.

When The News revealed Pompey had also contacted Danny Cowley, however, the reaction couldn't have been any different.

‘No thanks. Don’t want to be waking up on a Sunday morning with a sore neck after watching Cowley ball,’ was one.

‘Big reason we all wanted Jackett out was because of the style of football,' was another. There are plenty more examples that could be given.

For some reason, many were adamant Cowley was just Kenny Jackett 2.0.

For some reason, Cowley had a reputation as a manager who favours a direct, long-ball style of play so many supporters bemoaned under the ex-Millwall and Wolves chief.

Now, Cowley did encourage a route-one brand when he led Lincoln to National League glory in 2017. However, that was only because of the players he had at the club suited it and he knew it could yield success.

But as stated in a follow-up article, we highlighted those aren't his plans at PO4. Yes, the football will be direct but in an attacking, aggressive manner.

And as supporters have started to carry out their own due diligence on Cowley and his brother, Nicky, opinions have started to sway markedly.

Watching the brothers break down their philosophy on The Coaches Voice has gone down a storm. Discussing attacking tactics such as wide triangles gives an insight into the front-footed technique they’ll aim to deploy.

Then there's the clip of Cowley's insight into his experience of rebuilding a lost bond between fans and a football club.

With portions of supporters claiming they felt detached when Pompey’s board stuck Jackett – despite cries for his head – the relationship has somewhat frayed.

There's also the footage of the Cowleys mic'd up when taking a Huddersfield training session. Their attention to detail is meticulous and instructions clear throughout.

And as our colleagues told us in Lincoln, the Imps started playing a more expansive brand as they moved up the pyramid.

As a result of all that, German flags next to Twitter names have started to be replaced by cow emojis in support fof the London-born siblings.

Of course, some staunchly remain in in the Stendel camp.

But after passing early judgement, many have not just warmed but started to be excited by Cowley’s impending arrival.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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