Danny Cowley spoke of the 'natural evolution' teams face at the end of the season as he accepted he was likely to bid farewell to a number of those who have played for Pompey this season.

There is doubt over whether any one Cowley's top loanees will return - with one or two almost certainly not doing do - while some out of contract players may also move on.

Speaking after Pompey finished the League One campaign in 10th place after a 4-1 defeat at Sheffield Wednesday, who are in the play-offs, Cowley told the club website: 'I’ll be back in first thing tomorrow to work and we sit down with all the players to do a performance review.

'It’s an opportunity for us to help and support them in their development, as well as to receive some feedback. There will be players who move on now — whether they’ve been on loan or not. It’s the natural evolution of a team.'

Cowley was downbeat at the team ending the season with a defeat - especially after they' been on a six-game unbeaten run that brought wins over the two sides who have gone up automatically, Wigan and Rotherham.

He said the of Wednesday defeat: 'I thought we had control in the first 20 minutes after taking the lead, but I have to credit Sheffield Wednesday, who are a top team at this level. Their pace, athleticism and power is the best in the division and they were able to get momentum after levelling.

'But we have conceded three goals from set-pieces after finding a really good way into the game, which is frustrating. We found it difficult, although then did quite well when we came out for the second half and created a number of chances.

'But we weren’t clinical or ruthless enough to take them and then let in a fourth goal that was just unacceptable for us because people weren’t doing their jobs properly.'

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