Pompey close in on Cook... does he have qualities needed?
Saturday, 9th May 2015 20:15 by pompey-fans.com staff

With each day that passes, Paul Cook's path to the Pompey manager's job seems clearer.

Not least now because one of his apparent rivals for the role, Martin Allen, has committed himself to his present club Barnet.

Cook's Chesterfield are involved in the play-offs - they trail to Preston after the home first leg of the semi-final - and it is thought the Blues are likely to make their move for him once the Spireites' fate is known.

As the waiting game goes on, one of Pompey's senior pros has spoken out about the qualities needed by the new man at the helm.

Johnny Ertl told The News: 'It is a challenge but we have to get on with things now. Whoever it is who comes in, it’s completely up to the new manager to take us forward. Every new manager has his own style of management.

‘He has to understand the community structure of the club, as well as the history of the club. It’s a big name and I know there have been a lot of applicants for the job. That’s because of the name and the size of the club.

‘People know that if they do well, it can take off. It can really take off — and everyone wants that. There’s such a big, great chance here. The things are in place and we can also learn, a little bit, from the mistakes of the past.

‘We can move forward with a new manager bringing his own strengths to the club. But he has to understand the community and the people of the club He needs to know what it means to become Pompey manager.

‘I’m sure the board will find the right guy. They do a good job here and support the man in charge. So, whoever comes in, has a really good chance to get us where we want to be.’