There’s been a stack of names linked with the Fratton Park hot seat since Cowley’s dismissal nine days ago.
But who really fits the bill and chimes with the kind of profile are looking to make?
Who are the men who can take on the weight of expectation of delivering success at PO4.
The News has had its ear to the ground – and here the information we’ve picked up over the names in the frame.
9. Lee Bowyer
The News understands the former Charlton man would be open to becoming the new head coach at Pompey. There was a mixed reaction to that news, but Bowyer has shown he can deliver success at this level on moderate resources at Charlton. His budget didn’t improve a great deal in the Championship but was relegated on the final day by one point - after being without his main striker, Lyle Taylor, who refused to sign a contract expansion in the Covid pandemic. Looking for a head coach role where he can build on the impressive line of players such as Taylor, Conor Gallgaher, Joe Aribo, Lyle Taylor, Josh Cullen, Karlan Grant and Krystian Bielik he’s helped improve. Photo: Ryan Hiscott
10. Liam Manning
In the game of next Pompey boss Guess Who? plenty of other contenders are being knocked down, but Manning is definitely still standing at present. A young, progressive coach who has a very defined and expansive game idea based on possession. That will go down well, but his promising standing has taken a sizeable hit after reaching the play-offs with MK Dons was followed with a season of struggle which led to his sacking last month. Being out of work makes the former West Ham and Ipswich man an easier appointment to make, but plenty of supporters would be left underwhelmed and there would have to be big questions about how the 37-year-old would handle the pressure at Fratton. Photo: George Wood
11. Chris Wilder
A popular choice among Pompey fans with a record of delivering promotions from the National League upwards. Has indicated he’s willing to look at the Fratton role, if his ambitions can be matched but it’s clear his sights are currently higher than League One. Definitely one who can handle the size of the job, but has fallen out with his previous two owners and is a manager rather than the head coach profile Pompey are looking to fill. Also used to earning way, way more than the salary which will be on offer for the position, so is it realistic? Photo: Michael Regan
12. Neil Warnock
The man who should’ve managed Pompey to many fans. Seemed eternally linked with the post in the Mandaric era but the move never worked out. Last week stated he would love the job on a short-term basis which many supporters enjoyed. Doesn’t fit the bill in terms of a younger coach working under a director of football, which seems to the road the Blues are going down. Photo: Lewis Storey