Boss reacts to promotion-securing victory
Paul Cook has done what Pompey fans have been craving for four years now.
After years of financial mismanagement and on-pitch decline, the club found itself in the basement in 2013.
But a 3-1 victory at Notts County – thanks to Gareth Evans’ penalty and a Jamal Lowe brace – ensured that they have now started the journey back up through the divisions.
And Cook preferred to step away from the spotlight, instead heaping praise onto those on the pitch and watching from the stands.
The Blues boss said: “I’m delighted. We’ve been here for the best part of two years now with the aim of getting this club promoted.
“I can still remember the pain of that play-off defeat at Plymouth last season, so to see the fans celebrating like they did is something that will remain with me for a long time.
“Our supporters are – without doubt – as vociferous, passionate and loyal as you will ever get.
“If we had to play a game to stay in this league then you would have still got four or five thousand turning up. That goes without saying.
“I’ve always backed the players and these boys have become instant heroes of Portsmouth Football Club – I’m thrilled for them all.
“This club has been put on the floor, but we’re not on the floor anymore. That’s great for everyone.
“It’s not about me. It’s just a great night for this club and we should all take stock and realise that we’ve all had a part to play.
“Now we’re a League One team and one that wants to get back into the Championship.”
Lowe came off the bench to seal the victory after Evans’ spot-kick had been cancelled out by the Magpies.
Cook said: “I thought we were abysmal! We struggled to come to terms with the game and were trying to play the way we did on that pitch didn’t really work.
“But it was about finding a way to win. We couldn’t affect what other sides did, but if we got the victory then it gave us a great chance.”
Watch Cook's thoughts on the game below or subscribe to Pompey PlayerHD for full promotion reaction throughout the week.