Source: Team_Talk
Boothroyd hails 'reinvigorated' Freddy
Aidy Boothroyd praised striker Freddy Eastwood as Coventry got the new campaign up and running with a 2-0 home win over Portsmouth.[LNB] A double from forgotten man Eastwood was enough for the Sky Blues, who kicked off Boothroyd's reign in charge with a notable scalp in Saturday's Championship clash at the Ricoh Arena.[LNB]The game came at the end of a week during which Portsmouth saw their immediate future saved after a challenge to their Company Voluntary Agreement by HM Revenue & Customs was dismissed by the High Court.[LNB]And Boothroyd admitted his men had opted to focus only on themselves during the build-up.[LNB]He said: "With Portsmouth's position we had to focus on ourselves and make sure we were right and got off to a good start.[LNB]"We deserved the victory and it was certainly a hard-fought win. There were still some fantastic players on the team sheet when they brought it through to the dressing room.[LNB]"I was very pleased with our new players and with the reinvigorated Freddy Eastwood.[LNB]"I help players help themselves, that is what I do. I listen to them, find out what gets them going and work on that.[LNB]"Freddy worked very hard at Southend United and got a hatful of goals. He really believed in himself but maybe in recent years he has doubted his qualities.[LNB]"He has been playing like a midfielder but his quality is scoring and if works hard and closes down he will do that.[LNB]"He is a loveable rogue but will be the first to say that it is a team effort."[LNB]Eastwood handed the hosts a dream start with the opening goal after just four minutes, firing a shot through the legs of keeper Jamie Ashdown. And he sealed the win in the 70th minute by heading home David Bell's cross from the right.[LNB]But Pompey manager Steve Cotterill, another taking charge of his side for the first time, was not too disappointed despite the loss.[LNB]He said: "I was disappointed with the goals we conceded but not too disappointed with the performance.[LNB]"Everyone can see the kids we have on the bench today and they would be nowhere near - I had 10 senior lads to choose from. I will be amazed if we get to 18 players at any stage this season.[LNB]"Fitness wise I thought we looked a bit leggy at times in both halves and did not have the sharpness.[LNB]"We have been around America and Canada for two weeks and we have been having to balance it to train them hard enough to get fit but not too hard to wear them out.[LNB]"With the size of our squad, I am not sure I want to talk about football but it is nice to be playing again.[LNB]"Our players have got to get used to the Championship. It is very different from the Premiership and you have to do the horrible things. They will be better at that."
