'It’s just about being honest': Danny Cowley on his refusal to give up on Portsmouth's forgotten man - and the ex-Manchester United and Luton midfielder's shock renaissance

The ex-Manchester United midfielder’s Fratton Park career appeared over in the summer, with the Blues prepared to listen to offers.

Indeed, he was the subject of a long-running transfer saga with an unnamed Australian club which, ultimately, came to nothing earlier this month.

However, at Forest Green Rovers on Saturday, Tunnicliffe was surprisingly handed a first League One start since April.

Admittedly, with Marlon Pack, Joe Morrell, Louis Thompson and Tom Lowery unavailable, it was a case of needs must.

Yet Cowley singled out Tunnicliffe for high praise following the 1-0 win – and is adamant his refusal to close the door on the player has been vindicated.

He told The News: ‘Ryan deserves special recognition, I thought he played well and I was proud of him.

‘He came in, gave up some of his game, and didn’t play in the exact position that he likes to play, which is the eight.

‘We’ve always treated each other with respect, Ryan has been unfortunate because of the team going to a two-man midfield – and really he’s suited to a three-man midfield.

‘Of course he’s had some injuries which have stopped his flow at this club, but he came in on Saturday and gave a really team-orientated performance.

‘With players it’s just about being open, being honest, speaking regularly, trying to give clarity. When it’s bad news, try to be honest with him. I think I’ve tried to understand.

‘I always attempt to walk in their shoes. I know my job is to help a player every day to get better, but I get to match-day and have to stand in the way of some, that’s the unfortunate nature of professional football.

‘But you speak honestly and give clarity, even when you disagree. It has always been in a respectful way.

‘I never close the door on anyone, I believe in people, my job is to help people, particularly in the difficult moment – and the most difficult moment for the player is either when they are injured or out of the team.’

Saturday represented a first League One start in 16 matches for Tunnicliffe.

That was in a 1-1 draw at Morecambe on April 18 – and he was subsequently dropped to the bench as an unused substitute against Gillingham.

Now he has re-emerged, producing a hard-working display in Pompey’s time of need at the New Lawn Stadium.

Cowley added: ‘Ryan has been committed, he has trained well, he’s good around the group, the boys like him. He’s popular.

‘The team needed him on Saturday and he stood up – and deserves a lot of credit for that.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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