Portsmouth Striker Colby Bishop ‘Grateful’ After Heart Surgery

Portsmouth striker Colby Bishop, who scored in his initial appearance of the season, characterized the period subsequent to his open heart surgery as “horrific” yet indicated that the experience has instilled a sense of “gratefulness” in him. The 28-year-old had a surgical procedure during the summer months after off-season cardiac screening revealed a potential health risk, which had kept him from participating in any games this season until now. However, Bishop unexpectedly rejoined the matchday squad for Saturday’s Championship fixture against Preston North End, where he converted a second-half penalty, contributing to Pompey’s 3-1 win, marking their inaugural home triumph of the current season. Speaking to BBC Radio Solent, Bishop stated, “I’m not going to lie to you it was horrific.” He further elaborated on his personal circumstances during that time: “I had a 12-day-old baby by the time I had the surgery, I wasn’t guaranteed anything at all throughout the process but right now life is good, so I’m very grateful.” Bishop also noted the unexpected nature of his diagnosis, saying, “It was strange for me because when I was told I needed the operation I felt completely fine. “I came back from the summer probably the fittest I’ve ever been in my career, I was at the front of every running session and I worked really hard through the off season.”” Last season, the forward played a crucial role in Portsmouth’s promotion-achieving team, participating in 48 matches and netting 21 goals. As Bishop was not officially registered in Portsmouth’s squad at the commencement of the current campaign, it was widely anticipated that his return to play would not occur until January 2025, the next period for squad list resubmission. Portsmouth manager John Mousinho informed BBC Radio Solent, “It’s something that we’ve been keeping under wraps.” He elaborated on Bishop’s recent medical clearances: “Colby had three scans through the week to get his final check-off but there was every chance he might not have been available or it could have been another six weeks or January as we originally expected.” Mousinho also highlighted Bishop’s preparation and resilience: “Colby’s been training with the first team for six weeks now so we knew he would be ready, the whole situation is testament to Colby and how quickly he has managed to get back from it all, it’s a massive boost for us.” Following Pompey’s inaugural home victory of the season, Bishop engaged in a conversation with Andrew Moon of BBC Radio Solent. Emotional moments unfolded at Fratton Park when Pompey’s number nine entered the game from the substitutes’ bench late in the second half. Attacker Callum Lang earned a penalty with 10 minutes left on the clock, with the score standing at 2-1, but he deferred the opportunity to Bishop, wanting him to take the spot kick. Bishop’s accurately struck penalty deceived Preston goalkeeper Freddie Woodman, eliciting loud cheers from the stadium as he gestured and moved towards his family in the stands. Bishop further commented, “It’s been a really tough couple of months and I’m really grateful to be back playing.” He described his recent notification about returning to the team: “I found out over the last few days before the game that I could get back into the squad, to say I was over the moon was an understatement.” Reflecting on his recovery, he stated, “Through the whole three months all I’ve through about is getting back to Fratton Park and scoring a goal, I thought it would take a bit longer but I’m delighted it’s come so soon.” Bishop also expressed his appreciation for his teammates and staff: “I was trying not to well up in the changing room with all the nice things they were saying to me, the team and the staff have been so great with me.”