Mark Catlin says Paul Cook has the board's backing to bring in new players during the January transfer window - if he wants to.
The Fratton chief exec says Cook does not want to add to his squad for the sake of it, but will be supported if he identifies players he would like to bring in.
It comes as efforts to bring back Caolan Lavery from Sheffield Wednesday continue, while Nigel Atangana has left for Leyton Orient.
Catlin told The News: 'Myself, the manager, the financial director and the chairman are speaking on a daily basis during this transfer window. But on the whole Paul is very satisfied with his squad and will only bring in someone if he thinks it will strengthen.
‘Obviously we follow Paul’s lead, with him stating he is gradually trying to trim the squad in some areas and strengthen in others. Moving players out doesn’t have to come before recruitment, although in an ideal world that is how it would work out.
'It’s testament to the board of directors and everyone associated with the club, including the supporters, that financially we are in a position where if the right player came up then we can support the manager.
‘In the summer we bought players — and I suppose you could say a manager. We’re in a very good position because of the tight ship we run. And we will try to put as much money as we get from the FA Cup run into improving the product on the pitch.
‘There is always a willingness from the board to listen to the manager in how he wants to strengthen the squad and obviously a cup run of any sort gives us the flexibility to do that. However, we have to keep following stringent policies when pursuing players, whether that be the size of the fee or salaries we pay out.’
Pompey host Oxford - who sit four points and two places above them in League Two - on Saturday with Michael Appleton looking forward to another Fratton return.
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