Danny Cowley explains his desire for Portsmouth to pursue fresh agreement with 27-year-old

Danny Cowley is hoping that Louis Thompson’s contract will be extended beyond the end of the season with the midfielder performing well for the club since the turn of the year.

Portsmouth do not boast the same financial backing of other clubs in League One and therefore, in putting his own stamp on the current squad, Cowley needs to retain players that are part of his future plans.

Having signed in the summer from Norwich City, Thompson has enjoyed a positive campaign adjusting to life on the South Coast, with Pompey eight points off of the top six with 13 games to go it is important that some future planning ahead of 2022/23 is initiated.

Cowley explained why Thompson is deserving of a new contract when he spoke to Portsmouth.co.uk.

He said: “Yes (the view is shared), it definitely is by myself and the coaching staff.

“I think there’s an option on his contract, which is a positive.

“We’ve been really proud and pleased with his availability.

“I think he’s in the best physical shape then maybe he’s been for many years.

“There’s no doubting his technical ability and tactical understanding.

“There’s also no doubting the type of boy he is in and around the place.

“He’s so good for the culture of our group.

“It’s definitely a relationship we’d like to extend.”

With the option already in Thompson’s current contract this should be quite a swift process to allow the player to return his focus onto the playing side as soon as possible.

The Verdict

It has been a difficult first full season in charge for Danny Cowley, probably falling a little short of most people’s expectations at this stage.

However, there is a definitely a shared opinion that League One will not be as strong next season and that will make it easier for the clubs