Portsmouth must ‘brace for head-spinning Colby Bishop bid’ after what he’s done
Portsmouth look likely to survive in the Championship this season, even if they have to do it the hard way.
Pompey still have plenty of work to do and John Mousinho’s patience has worn thin with some of his players following the late defeat to Preston last Saturday (15 March).
Several stars, however, have certainly impressed this term and the Blues could have a task on their hands to keep hold of their best assets come the summer.
Colby Bishop could spark summer interest
Bishop has been superb in recent weeks and has adapted to his first taste of Championship football excellently since returning from last summer’s heart surgery.
The frontman added his seventh league goal of the campaign at the weekend, demonstrating that his finishing nous keeps getting sharper.
His form could encourage rival clubs to test Pompey’s resolve, though Bishop has long spoken of his love for the fans and city, having signed a new contract recently.
It strengthens Pompey’s hand with Rich Hughes expected to be particularly busy this summer, though many Championship clubs possess funds which are always going to turn the Blues’ heads if a heavy bid comes in for one of their players.
Bishop has been the first-choice striker for Mousinho essentially since his return, which was reinforced when Kusini Yengi became sidelined through injury and Mark O’Mahony was only given fleeting appearances.
O’Mahony could sign for Portsmouth, but will want more of a chance
While Bishop keeps scoring the important goals and combining well with the experienced attacking force in behind him, there is no real force for change on Mousinho’s part.
The head coach did opt for Yengi as well as Bishop against Preston, but the Australian has still not found the back of the net at Championship level and has had a rotten season with injuries.
Some hope that on-loan Brighton youngster O’Mahony could sign permanently in the summer, though he may feel his opportunities when fit have been restricted.
| Portsmouth top scorers – 2024-25 | Goals | Starts |
| Callum Lang | 10 | 27 |
| Colby Bishop | 7 | 23 |
| Josh Murphy | 6 | 32 |
| Matt Ritchie | 4 | 37 |
| Connor Ogilvie | 4 | 23 |
| Mark O’Mahony | 3 | 5 |
The promising striker, currently away with the Republic of Ireland Under-21 side, has scored three times this term but not played more than half an hour of a game for Pompey since October – not ideal for himself nor his parent club further down the A27.
Portsmouth will need more firepower as well as retaining Bishop to get to the next level once established for next season in the Championship – whether O’Mahony is part of that is anyone’s guess right now.