Colby Bishop: Portsmouth striker reflects on journey since heart surgery

Portsmouth striker Colby Bishop says that he “counts his lucky stars” following open heart surgery in 2024.

The 29-year-old underwent a procedure before the start of last season after a potential risk had been identified during cardiac screening.

Bishop then missed the first portion of the campaign, eventually making a surprise return to the Pompey side in early November 2024 after an extensive recovery period.

The Portsmouth number nine has since been reflecting on the journey nearly 18 months since, recovery to full fitness and returning to a role as a regular fixture in John Mousinho’s starting XI.

“I’m very lucky that in our line of work we look at these things but if I wasn’t then maybe I wouldn’t have seen it,” Bishop told BBC Radio Solent.

“But I count my lucky stars, I’m very fortunate to have found it and rectified the problem.

“The whole club was there for me in a very tough time – the fans, staff, everyone around here so I’m very grateful.”

Bishop’s return to the Portsmouth side came as a surprise to many last season, appearing on the bench against Preston North End.

In what was a moving and remarkable moment the striker then scored in his first game back, slotting home a penalty in front of the Fratton End before pointing over at his family in the stands as he celebrated the goal.

Despite being cleared to play again by specialists, Bishop said there were still some nerves around his return.

“You’re obviously nervous but I think my family as well around me was so nervous because you just don’t want something bad to happen,” he said.

“You’ve got to trust that the surgeons know what they’re talking about which they obviously do and I just trusted that I’d worked so hard that I’d be fine and luckily I was, it was a good day.

“It was tough, especially my wife who was pregnant at the time and due to give birth.

“I think being pregnant is hard enough as it is, never mind your husband coming home and saying he needs open heart surgery, I’m very lucky to have someone who’s very strong and she looked after me.”