Boss looks ahead to Notts County clash
It will be a welcome return to Fratton Park for many Pompey fans this weekend.
Saturday’s clash with Notts County is the first home league fixture for three weeks, while most opted to stay away from the visit of Reading U23s in the Checkatrade Trophy.
There have been plenty of positives on the road since then, however, with four points collected from matches at Leyton Orient and Plymouth.
So now Paul Cook will be looking for an improvement on the performance against Doncaster on the south coast at the start of the month.
The Blues boss said: “It was such a disappointing game because it was billed as a big contest, but we didn’t get started.
“We didn’t get going until the match had already got away from us and we have to make sure we impose ourselves on the game.
“We’ve played 13 matches in the league and had our ups and downs like everyone else, but the last couple have gone okay and it’s important we keep that going.
“The league's starting to take a bit of shape and we’re probably disappointed that we’re not a bit higher.”
Notts County are currently sitting 12th in the League Two standings and have collected a solitary point from their past three games.
Cook said: “They’ve had some great results and some indifferent ones. I went to watch them at home to Morecambe the other week, so we’ve certainly had eyes on them.
“I’m sure they’ll feel they have left a few points out on the pitch, but they’re formidable opponents with an experienced manager in John Sheridan.
“He’s had success at every club he’s been at and I’ve got a lot of time for him. He took Plymouth into the play-offs and did an amazing job at Newport last season before going to Oldham.
“I would imagine that as far as League One and Two managers go, there aren’t many better. His record speaks for itself.”
Cook will have a full squad to choose from on Saturday, with several players back in contention following injury.
He said: “We’ve got a clean bill of health, with every player training. Adam Buxton, Matt Clarke, Noel Hunt and Drew Talbot were all out there.”
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Watch Cook’s thoughts on the game below or subscribe to Pompey PlayerHD for full pre-match content.