DANNY COWLEY

HEAD COACH

DANNY COWLEY

GOOD AFTERNOON TO YOU ALL AS WE GET READY TO FACE BRISTOL ROVERS IN THE LATEST SKY BET LEAGUE ONE FIXTURE AT FRATTON PARK

The past four games have been frustrating and disappointing in terms of the outcome. We have come up short in all of them and the fact that we are bemoaning small margins is actually the problem. Our ambition moving forward is to create a team that doesn’t rely on getting on the right side of tight fixtures. We want to control matches, play with rhythm and dominate teams. While we have performed well between the penalty boxes, we have lacked a creative spark and inspiration in and around our opponents’ goal. Other than the MK Dons game, we have controlled both possession and territory, without being ruthless or clinical in the decisive moments. We have enjoyed 70 per cent possession in five of my eight matches here, as well as a significant number of final third and box entries, but not had the chance or goal conversion that we would expect. Against the ball we have to keep working on the management of our defensive line, while also improving the 1v1 moments and defending the space in behind. Two clean sheets in eight games is not enough for a team with our aspirations. To have so little time on the training pitch over those past four fixtures has been a significant factor. During our first three matches, the schedule afforded us good preparation time between each one. As a new group, this was vital in allowing us to get our game idea across to the players, while connecting the different relationships and developing the cohesion necessary to produce an efficient display. Since then, however, we have had little time on the training pitch and where we have just come together, this has hurt us. We haven’t had the time on the grass to keep building on the idea and work on the concepts that are so important to our performance. This is not an excuse, just the facts. We have all felt the disappointment this week. To lose back-to-back games at a pivotal time in the season is always hard to take. It is never a nice feeling when you let yourself and each other down. It is worse still when you know that you have let the supporters down. We have to shoulder the responsibility, accept the criticism and make sure that we respond in the right way. There is total trust in the players’ attitude, work ethic and humility to learn. Everyone in the dressing room is aligned in what we want to achieve and we are all working towards that ambition. We know how much you want Pompey to be successful and this inspires us every single day. We are aware that the challenge to reach the play-offs is tougher than ever, but are determined to find a way! We are completely focused on achieving what we set out to do when we first arrived. This was never going to be easy and we certainly cannot do it without you and your unconditional support. We are going to be absolutely relentless in trying to achieve this goal. Stick with us, enjoy the ride – we are going to make this a football club that you can all be proud of again! I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Joey Barton and his Bristol Rovers team to Fratton Park for today’s game. Play up Pompey!

IT IS NEVER A NICE FEELING WHEN YOU LET YOURSELF AND EACH OTHER DOWN. IT IS WORSE STILL WHEN YOU KNOW THAT YOU HAVE LET THE SUPPORTERS DOWN

Danny

NOTICEBOARD

Long-time Pompey fan Paul (Percy) Gardner sadly passed away on Saturday, March 27 at the age of 63. A North Stand season ticket holder for many years, he will be missed by family and his fellow travelling companions.