Danny Cowley insists that Lee Brown will thrive in his new role in the Portsmouth team.

Cowley’s changed the team to now play a back five, which has moved Brown out to wing back. This was first used against Plymouth Argyle midweek in a 2-2 draw. 

Mahlon Romeo was tasked with playing the other wing back role on the right, with the idea that both could add width and creativity to the side. 

“I really think Lee can play left wing-back,” said Cowley to The News.

“He does a lot of good things going forward, although we are still trying to increase his intensity, one-v-one drills and his ability to get up to the ball.

“Even when we play in a back four, he’s an overlapping full-back and now our top scorer in the league.

“Obviously he and Mahlon are different wing-backs, they have different qualities and Lee brings a huge amount of experience.

“They are good characters, they will do what the team needs of them. They know the team at the moment is short of left-footed balance in that area, so we have to find solutions.

“What’s the other choice? We could moan and groan but you have two options – victim or fighter.

“For us it’s important to always find a solution.”

The 31-year old scored from a free kick in that 2-2 draw with Plymouth, his second of the season. It was also his fourth goal in his previous nine appearances for the club. 

It’s expected that Brown will retain this new position ahead of this weekend’s fixture away to Charlton Athletic. 

The trip to the Valley represents a good opportunity for three points for Pompey. Their opponents find themselves in 21st, with only one league victory to their name this campaign. 

The Verdict

This is an interesting solution from Cowley. Portsmouth started the season well, but now find themselves down in 12th. Since winning their opening three games of the season, Pompey have gone on a five game winless run in League One.

The goals have dried up, too. In that winless run they have only scored three times.

A change in formation can bring out the best in players and it can freshen things up. Adapting to it immediately will be difficult, but the fact they scored twice against Plymouth, and created plenty of other chances, bodes well for Portsmouth’s immediate future.