Your mission is to resurrect Portsmouth promotion in 72 days. We wanted excitement - well here it is

Perhaps he muddled up a business with a turnover of £11.57m in their last published accounts with a Choose Your Own Adventure book.

Nonetheless, Mark Catlin was entrusted with appointing the fourth external boss of his time as Fratton Park’s chief executive.

His choice is Danny Cowley, a preference backed by the Blues board, albeit we’re still awaiting the official declaration.

It’s a name which steadily grew in popularity among a Fratton faithful initially enchanted by the prospect of Daniel Stendel and his carnival of football.

So much rests on perception, with Neil Harris viewed as the antithesis. The black-hearted adopted son of Kenny Jackett, executing the same evil playbook with a villainous chuckle.

That view is incredibly harsh on the 43-year, who last season led Cardiff to the Championship play-offs and registered impressive accomplishments with Millwall.

Still, Stendel and Harris both baulked at the prospect of a deal until the season’s end.

The prospect of returning to League One did not fill either with dread, Pompey at this level possess quite a lure, don’t let anyone convince you otherwise.

Privately, both Stendel and Harris had confided it represented a highly-attractive move, yet, crucially, the contract length was non-negotiable from both sides of the table.

It is to the incoming Cowley’s immense credit that, despite fleeting initial reservations, he backed himself for the 12-game stint on offer as Fratton Park manager.

His motivation is not driven by money or a necessity to haul himself off the footballing scrapheap before condemned to Alan Curbishley obscurity.

Having kept Huddersfield in the Championship last season, Cowley and brother Nicky still possess plenty of credit in the game and continue to be regarded for vacant roles.

With an exuberance still youthful in managerial terms and a passion unquestionably infectious, as those who have viewed their videos will testify, there has been a noticeable upsurge in spirits among Pompey followers since The News linked them to the Pompey role.

Let’s not disparage Kenny Jackett here, the former boss does not warrant being the subject of cheap shots. Yet the new man at the helm appears to contrast significantly in his approach – certainly off the pitch.

Nonetheless, the concept of a 72-day Pompey mission is intriguing. Although that tally will obviously be increased if the play-offs come calling.

Should the Cowleys shine over that admittedly short duration, they manoeuvre themselves into a strong position for a longer stay come the summer.

Fail to shine sufficiently and Catlin will explore other managerial options during the close season.

Certainly it has been intimated to the Blues’ chief executive that candidates of particular interest would be in a better position to act on a Pompey approach at such a time.

Meanwhile, the Cowleys occupy the stage. They have inherited a side devoid of confidence following five straight defeats, are presently equipped with one fit striker, and residing 10th in League One – their lowest placing since mid-October.

We all craved excitement. Well, now we’ve got it.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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