Portsmouth manager Paul Cook has hit out at Sky over their decision to move their game with Doncaster Rovers forward 48 hours for live television coverage immediately after their hectic Christmas schedule.

The Christmas period will see the club on their travels for three out of four games which will begin with a Boxing Day trip to Newport County followed by a trip to Yeovil Town and a home fixture against fellow promotion rivals Luton Town before the televised trip to the Keepmoat Stadium to face another of the favourites for promotion Doncaster Rovers.

Cook has blasted the move by Sky as he feels it will affect the club’s fans from attending such a big game and does not know how Sky have so much power when it comes to changing fixtures at a moments notice.

Speaking to the Portsmouth News about Sky’s decision, Cook said ‘The schedule for the Doncaster game is absolutely ridiculous.

‘I want to go on record and say there has been no thought process for the fans.

‘Well, I am looking at it from a fans’ point of view and think it is an absolute disgrace.

‘For us as a team it is not the end of the world because we travel, it is what we do, we are paid to do that, it’s our job.

‘But when you think Pompey fans have to go to Newport on Boxing Day, then to Yeovil, then at home to Luton and then travel to Doncaster on a Thursday night it is bizarre.

‘Come on, give them a break. I wouldn’t change the games and I don’t see why Sky possess the power to do that.’

Portsmouth currently find themselves handily placed in fifth position in the League Two table with 24 points picked up from their 15 games played this season and face a tricky home game with Mansfield Town at Fratton Park this coming Saturday.