Portsmouth CEO Andy Cullen has reassured fans that the club will do everything they can to keep hold of star striker Colby Bishop after reported interest from Championship and rival clubs, writes Hampshire Live.
The former Accrington Stanley striker has scored 19 league goals this season, with 23 in all competitions, which has brought about interest from clubs such as Blackburn Rovers and promotion chasing Ipswich Town. Bishop had scored 11 League One goals for Accrington before moving to Pompey in the summer of 2022 and is in the middle of an impressive goal scoring run of 7 in 7, drawing more interest in the 26-year-old.
📰 Colby Bishop bags a brace as #Pompey beat Bristol Rovers to secure their second away win of the week
— Portsmouth FC (@Pompey) March 18, 2023
Cullen has spoken of the club’s desire to keep hold of their striker but couldn’t rule out Bishop leaving should the club. “Should offers come in, you’re obviously going to resist them all until you get to a stage where they become too good to turn down. And let’s not forget there is a player here as well. He may be under contract, but sometimes has a say in what they want to do.”
While the club may only have a very small chance of making the play-offs this season, they are hoping that their number 9 will be leading the line as they look to improve on their 2022-23 performance next season, “We are not surprised, but we signed Colby to a long-term contract, which is something that works in our favour, and we want him to be a part of our team that takes us to the next level. That’s our focus. We’re determined to do our best to make sure Colby and Portsmouth Football Club are working together next season, as well to continue allowing us to grow and develop in whichever division we will be in,” Cullen added.
Writer’s View
It isn’t surprising that a player who is approaching the supposed peak years of his career and sits on 23 goals so far this season is attracting interest, nor is it surprising that his club are keen to hold on to him. What will be interesting is the size of offer that is seen as too good to turn down and which club can find the money to break Pompey’s resistance and prise the in form front man away from Fratton Park. Portsmouth fans will be hoping the club can hang on to Bishop to help spear head a promotion push next season.
