Cowley Brothers Poised for Portsmouth Takeover
In a move that’s set to electrify League One, Danny Cowley has verbally agreed to become Portsmouth FC’s new manager, with his brother Nicky joining as assistant. The Krikya sources confirm the duo will sign a contract running until the end of the season, marking their return to football after a 10-month hiatus since departing Huddersfield Town in July 2020.
The deal, expected to be finalized this Thursday, hinges on negative COVID-19 tests—standard protocol before entering Portsmouth’s training “bubble.” This meticulous approach reflects the club’s commitment to stability after Kenny Jackett’s abrupt exit following their heartbreaking Papa John’s Trophy final loss to Salford City on penalties.
Danny Cowley’s tactical acumen propelled Lincoln City to historic heights—can he replicate this success at Portsmouth?

From Non-League to League One: Cowley’s Meteoric Rise
Cowley’s managerial journey is a testament to strategic brilliance. Starting at Concord Rangers and Braintree Town, he transformed Lincoln City from National League strugglers to EFL champions within three years. His 2016–17 campaign was legendary: securing promotion, an FA Cup quarter-final run, and later lifting the EFL Trophy.
At Huddersfield, though his tenure was brief, he navigated the Terriers clear of Championship relegation—a feat that underscores his crisis-management skills. “Danny’s ability to galvanize squads under pressure is unmatched,” notes Krikya football analyst James Fowler. “Portsmouth’s play-off push needs exactly that.”
Why Portsmouth? The Project Ahead
Portsmouth sits 10th in League One, just three points off the play-offs with two games in hand. Cowley’s immediate tasks:
- Squad Morale: Healing wounds from Wembley heartbreak.
- Tactical Flexibility: Shifting from Jackett’s 4-2-3-1 to Cowley’s dynamic 4-4-2 diamond.
- Youth Integration: Leveraging Pompey’s academy talents like Haji Mnoga.

The Verdict: Play-Offs or Bust?
With Cowley’s track record of rapid turnarounds, Krikya predicts a surge up the table. His brother Nicky’s expertise in set-pieces could be pivotal in tight matches. As CEO Mark Catlin bids farewell to Jackett, the message is clear: Portsmouth’s board believes the Cowleys are the catalysts for promotion.
Final Thought: Will Danny Cowley’s Portsmouth mirror his Lincoln fairy tale? Share your predictions with Krikya—the home of in-depth football analysis!
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