Nå er det tid for at Cowley-brødrene får bygge sitt eget lag, skriver Michael Pantling.

MENINGER: Michael Pantling, vår medlem nummer 42, deler igjen sine tanker om Pompey:

Pompey’s season reflected most of our experiences during 2020-21 mostly something to forget but with the occasional bright spot. I really thought that Pompey would have done so much better particularly when they were briefly top of the league.

Being brought in so late in the season cannot have been the easiest of times for the Cowley brothers not least as they were unable to make any changes to the team and as so often happen, as change of management had a positive effect for the first few games and they it fell back with injury and suspensions making things even more difficult – the most disappointing moment was the last match of the season when it was still possible to get something out of the season and at least make the play-offs but it was not to be.

LES OGSÅ: Ut med Jackett og inn med Cowley-brødrene

Glad Cowley-brødrene fikk forlenget kontrakt

I am pleased that the Cowley brothers have been given extended contracts since their style of football is much more in line with what is expected by the fans. Now they will be able to create their own team subject to finance available.

The biggest surprise for me was the departure of Mark Catlin as CEO, I believe that he was highly influential in stabilising Pompey as a club and a business and that he will be missed.

It does make me wonder what is going on behind the scenes and how much patience the fans will have with a continues slow and steady rebuilding.

While all of the fans would have wanted Pompey to be promoted it would have taken a massive investment in players in order not to come straight back down like Wycombe.

League One blir tøff neste sesong

I suspect there will be a big clear out at Pompey since many of the current squad haven’t really delivered this season.

Mac Gillivray did well coming back as the No1 choice keeper following Bass’s injury and I hope he will be persuaded to stay. On the contrary, I cannot see anybody making any effort to retain Downing. Jack Whatmore still keeps improving so I hope he will get a new deal. The big question in midfield must be Tom Naylor – competent at League 1 level but I would think he would struggle if Pompey were to get promoted so I believe that it would be risky to give him a long contract on the other hand a one year contract would not be attractive for him. Close has been a bit hit and miss but presumably is fairly cheap. I still think that Pompey might try to cash in on Curtiss to fund some new purchases. We could see more loan signings next season if there isn’t enough money for new, experienced players. Promotion must be the aim for next season (again) and in the end Pompey were not good enough. I imagine Sheffield Wednesday will be trying hard and Rotherham have been tricky opposition. Sunderland and Ipswich will be as competitive as ever and Charlton see well run and will again provide tough opposition. It is frequently been said that League 1 is the easiest to get in to but the hardest to get out of. Next season will be no different.

Tanker om 2021/22

Pompey have really missed their support both at Fratton and away Hopefully 2021-2022 will see a return of fans and we can all get back behind our team.

Of course I think Pompey can be promoted (who isn’t positive at the start of any seasons) and while it won’t be easy, I am confident that the football will be more pleasing to watch.

Michael Pantling (t.h.) deler sine tanker om Pompey.