How Paul Cook's departure changed resurgent Portsmouth's title-winning momentum

Within 26 days, the promotion party had officially dispersed, lows swiftly succeeding euphoric highs.
Manager Paul Cook  and chairman Iain McInnes celebrate Pompey's League Two title success on Southsea Common. Before the month was out, Cook had left. Picture: Joe PeplerManager Paul Cook  and chairman Iain McInnes celebrate Pompey's League Two title success on Southsea Common. Before the month was out, Cook had left. Picture: Joe Pepler
Manager Paul Cook and chairman Iain McInnes celebrate Pompey's League Two title success on Southsea Common. Before the month was out, Cook had left. Picture: Joe Pepler

Inspirational skipper Michael Doyle and player of the year Enda Steven had already walked, able to dictate their May 2017 departures having been rendered free agents.

The most significant blow was still to occur, however.

At the end of the month which produced that memorable League Two title triumph, the manager who masterminded the feat also orchestrated his exit.

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It was three years today when Paul Cook finally sealed a switch to Wigan, taking with him three of his trusted backroom staff.

The Blues’ replacement, Kenny Jackett, would inherit a newly-promoted side now residing in League One, yet one requiring an overhaul in playing personnel.

Loanee David Forde had returned to Millwall, Doyle and Stevens left, Gary Roberts was instructed to train with the kids before jettisoned along with Carl Baker.

Representing five regulars of the team which claimed the 2016-17 League Two crown, some would argue such dismantling was required considering their ages.

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Nonetheless, the breakneck speed at which it was initiated was brutal. Little time to bask in glory before change swept through the club from top to bottom.

With the Tornante takeover completed in August 2017, Pompey represented a very different club to the one which embraced the title during the final 32 minutes of the season.

At the heart of the enforced metamorphosis was Cook’s controversial decision.

In the aftermath of the 6-1 thumping of Cheltenham, the manager stood in Kev McCormack’s kitroom, clutching a bottle of Peroni and proclaiming he would remain at Pompey.

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Only his beloved Liverpool, he joked, could possibly tempt him away – yet 26 days later he was gone.

Pompey’s board are adamant they did all they could to retain his services, offering a fresh contract and pay rise, in addition to an automatic wage increase for achieving promotion.

Regardless, on May 31, 2017, Pompey lost the first manager since Harry Redknapp to lead them to promotion.

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And while both clubs have retained the respective bosses appointed that summer, it is Wigan who Pompey remain desperate to emulate.

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