Source: Team_Talk
Cotterill facing uphill struggle
Steve Cotterill admits taking charge at Portsmouth has left him facing a near 'impossible situation' - but insists he is not fazed by the job.[LNB] The former Burnley and Notts County boss has inherited a side ravaged by financial upheaval.[LNB]He has a wafer-thin squad at his disposal, no money to spend and the threat of closure still hanging over the club.[LNB]Cotterill, though, is unfazed by the challenge ahead and is prepared to give his utmost to the Fratton Park post.[LNB]"It's almost an impossible situation but I've got to make it work," he said.[LNB]"There are so many people relying on me.[LNB]"I have only seven players who are good enough for the Championship, eight if you include Ibrahima Sonko who I've just taken from Stoke.[LNB]"The goalkeeper is 18 but he's not strong enough for the first team. I need another three players for a proper team.[LNB]"The kids are not up to it yet. They will be going out on loan so I can replace them and bring the squad up to the 20 we have been allowed by the Football League under special dispensation."[LNB]Cotterill, who turned down the opportunity to stay on at Notts County this summer after leading them into League One, admits he sees Pompey as a stepping stone to future glory.[LNB]He hopes to have a shot at the Premier League at some stage in his career and feels working minor miracles at Fratton Park could help him to achieve that goal.[LNB]"I don't see it as a no-win situation at all," he said.[LNB]"If I can turn this round, I can do anything.[LNB]"It would be such a big achievement that it might just earn me a chance as a Premier League manager which, let's be honest, is what we all aspire to."
