Former Portsmouth midfielder David Norris believes that the club's supporters need to stick with the squad and head coach Danny Cowley as they battle for a play-off place.

Cowley got off to a great start in charge of the south coast club by winning his first four matches, propelling Pompey back into the top six.

But the new manager bounce didn't last forever as they then went on a four game winless run, with three losses coming in that time period including to struggling Swindon Town.

Pompey got back to winning ways against Bristol Rovers at the weekend but they still sit outside the play-off places in seventh position and with both Blackpool and Charlton either side of them having a game in hand, they need to just continue winning and hope their rivals slip up.

Norris only has fond memories of the Pompey fans from his time at the club in the 2011-12 campaign, where he scored eight Championship goals, and he's insisted that they stick by the playing and management staff with promotion still a possibility.

 

 

 

 

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Norris said: "I realised just how big that fan base is - it was a smaller stadium, a smaller area and the fans were brilliant - they're right behind their team and it means a lot to him down there.

"It was one place I played at where when we conceded a goal, normally our fans would start clapping and trying to get straight behind us.

"I'd be sometimes looking around as we were walking back to the centre circle and you'd see our fans really trying to gee us back up, and normally it's a lot of hands in the air, the odd boos or some unsettled fans - these are different.

"I remember thinking, wow, this is good. And then when it was good, and we got some results you could see that they were so good.

"They were brilliant fans, and I think it's important that the club do connect to the fans, and they keep that relationship for the management and the players. It's important."