Danny Cowley has taken charge of a Portsmouth side which still harbours hopes of making it to the Championship this season, with the South Coast club currently sitting just a single point off the play-off places at the time of writing. 

The manager's experience at his former clubs, Lincoln City and Huddersfield Town, are sure to prove invaluable during his time at Fratton Park, with his success at the former underlining his credentials for the job he has taken over from the departed Kenny Jackett.

Nothing less than promotion will do for the powers that be at the League One side and as such the ex-Braintree Town boss has signed a deal until the end of the season in order to do just that alongside his brother Nicky.

Easily the most high profile post of both their careers, they have just 11 games to achieve their goal with a squad that has fell short of expectations up to now.

Here, we take a look at the TWO main obstacles that Danny Cowley faces at Fratton Park.

Players out of contract 

The small matter of 11 first team players being out of contract come the summer is sure to be the subject of much concern for those in dugout as it is for the fans.

Given that the likes of Craig MacGillivray, Jack Whatmough and Ryan Williams are amongst that group, it would be fair to assume that Pompey will be aiming to kick off talks with some of their key players at the earliest opportunity.

Although the focus will undoubtedly be on securing promotion, maintaining the core of the squad is sure to be at the forefront of Cowley's mind with the vast majority of this group of players possessing great ability.

There is likely to be a reshuffle of the pack come the next transfer window although one would assume that Cowley wouldn't want to let 11 leave through the exit door come June.

Misfiring Marquis 

The former Doncaster Rovers man has flattered to deceive for Pompey this term and despite notching up 14 goals this season has only managed to find the net on two occasions in his last 10 league games, underlining issues with his form.

He has struggled to justify the hulking price tag since arriving on the South Coast but Cowley could be the man to get the best out of him between now and then end of the campaign.

John Akinde scored the vast majority of his Lincoln City side's goals during the Pompey bosses time at Sincil Bank and potentially he could have a similar impact on Marquis during the last 10 games.

If the striker can buck up his ideas in the closing stages of the season, Pompey could be a force to be reckoned with in the play-offs if they finish in the top six.