Miracle Man

Portsmouth’s battling 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough at Fortress Fratton took their magnificent unbeaten run to 6 matches, with 14 points out of 18, lifted them out of the relegation places and further boosted their hopes of Premiership survival.

These days, it’s hard to believe that just a few months ago, they looked utterly doomed – and even the return of Harry Redknapp scarcely seemed enough to lift the gloom, especially amongst Pompey fans who found defection to south coast rivals Southampton a crime which was almost impossible to forgive.

In the immediate aftermath of the January transfer window, the prophets of doom seemed to be having a field day – because despite new ownership and massive spending there was no immediate upturn in results. Relegation was inevitable – or so they thought.

Now those days seem to be a world away. New players have acquired match sharpness and a proper understanding of what is required and the benefits are there for everyone, even the doubters, to see. It is not all over yet but with just a few games remaining there is real optimism.

Harry Rednapp knows that Premiership survival this season will represent his greatest achievement as a football manager. A miracle.

Then all they have to do is persuade him to stay.