Boss looking forward to Bournemouth test
It used to be something that was not out of the ordinary for Pompey.
But now the visit of a Premier League side to Fratton Park is something to get excited about.
Bournemouth will make the short trip along the south coast this weekend for an Emirates FA Cup fourth round clash.
Eddie Howe’s men currently sit 16th in the top flight table, having played fourth tier football as recently as 2010.
And Cook is excited that Pompey will be able to test themselves against such a strong outfit.
The Blues boss said: “It’s a great occasion with a Premier League side visiting Fratton Park, which isn’t a regular occurrence here these days.
“So it’s a game that we’re very much looking forward to and also one where we’ll be trying our best to win.
“The reality is that we’re playing against very strong opposition. If they turn up and play well then we’re going to have our hands full.
“You look at the calibre of squads that top-flight teams carry and they can bring players into the side who are very good to say the least.
“We’ll prepare as best as we can and hopefully it will be an entertaining spectacle between two sides who want to play football.
“If we can give a good account of ourselves and get the fans off their seats – like we did against Ipswich – then I’m sure they’ll go home happy.
“It’s another sell-out for us at a time of the year when money is a bit tight, so it just goes to show how the people of Portsmouth get behind this club.”
Cook has delved into the loan market to bring in Kieron Freeman from Sheffield United, although the defender is cup-tied on Saturday.
He said: “Kieron’s a bright, young player and our fans can be very excited by the fact that he’s joined us.
“Ben Davies has possibly been our ‘player of the season’ so far, but if something happened to him we could find ourselves in a difficult situation.
“Great credit mist go to the club for backing me in bringing a player of his quality to Fratton Park.”
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Michael Poke and utility man Rommy Boco have left Fratton Park by mutual consent and the club wish both of them well for the future.
Watch Cook’s thoughts on the Bournemouth game below or subscribe to Pompey PlayerHD for extended interviews with the manager, Freeman and Ryan Fulton.