Cook: I'll resist clamour for Pompey change

PAUL COOK promised his players he will keep trust in them in their bid for promotion.
Pompey boss Paul CookPompey boss Paul Cook
Pompey boss Paul Cook

And the Pompey boss stated he’ll continue to resist the clamour for change if it arrives from supporters.

The Blues go into tomorrow’s promotion battle with Plymouth on the back of their best league form of the season.

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But Pompey had to come from behind to get their third successive league success at Dagenham & Redbridge last weekend.

Supporters were vocal in their call for changes at Victoria Road, but Cook feels it’s crucial he stands shoulder to shoulder with his players.

‘If you look at Dagenham, everyone is clamouring for change at that point in the game,’ he said.

‘That’s the nature of football, but you can’t desert your players in their hour of need. You can’t desert them.

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‘The reason I trust those players is because I know what they can do.

‘I won’t react to supporters or any of that, and I’m not trying to engage in anything.

‘But I will only make decisions I believe are in the benefit of the club.

‘You must have faith in your players – and I have great faith in ours.’

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Pompey have been unchanged for three games going into tomorrow’s promotion showdown with the Pilgrims. Cook gave an insight into his thinking over when it is the best time to make switches.

He said: ‘I always think you should be left out when you are playing well.

‘It’s like Kyle Bennett. If Plymouth wasn’t important and I left Kyle Bennett out, am I affecting his confidence? No.

‘But if I leave him out when he’s not playing well you’re destroying the player. I’m not a manager to do that. I like to build players up.’

– JORDAN CROSS