Pompey legend insists it's not time to point fingers

But the Blues legend backed Paul Cook and believes he needs another season to get his side out of League Two.

Cook’s side were struck down by a gut-wrenching stoppage-time goal to send them to a 1-0 play-off defeat at Plymouth Argyle last night.

It means League Two football for a fourth season for Pompey fans after a 3-2 aggregate loss.

That is a frustrating prospect with the clear target to get out of the division at the start of the campaign.

Failure to do so has left the Fratton faithful hurting with some angry reaction to the defeat.

But Knight reckons it’s time to let the dust settle before reflecting on what unfolded this season.

And the goalkeeping legend believes Cook has to be given another chance to deliver the success the club craves.

Knight said: ‘It’s going to feel raw for the gaffer, the players and everyone else.

‘But we have come on leaps and bounds.

‘It’s not a time for recriminations and pointing fingers.

‘We all need to sit down and look at the progress made.

‘We’ve come up short but the manager needs a minimum of another year.

‘As he says “just keep going”. We go again – and make sure it’s automatic promotion next season.’

Last night’s defeat means play-off pain is once again felt by Pompey fans 23 years after missing out on making the top flight to Leicester.

Knight was part of that side and noted the parallels.

He said: ‘It brings back memories of the last time.

‘It’s even the same scoreline as before – losing 1-0 away and drawing 2-2 at home. It hurts.’