Colby David Bishop represents one of football’s most inspiring success stories, rising from non-league obscurity to become Portsmouth FC’s talismanic striker. His journey encompasses overcoming career setbacks, working as a primary school teacher, and most recently, a life-threatening heart condition that threatened to end his playing days. Yet through determination, skill, and an unwavering belief in his abilities, Bishop has established himself as one of the most reliable goalscorers in English football and a beloved figure at Fratton Park.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on 4 November 1996 in Nottingham, England, Colby David Bishop’s path to professional football was far from conventional. Standing 180cm tall and weighing 72kg, the right-footed striker began his football journey in the youth system at Notts County, where he would eventually sign his first professional contract in November 2014.
Bishop made his senior debut for the Magpies on Boxing Day 2014, aged just 18, in a 1-0 defeat to Milton Keynes Dons at Meadow Lane. However, his early professional career proved challenging, managing just four appearances across two seasons without finding the net. The instability at Notts County during this period, with multiple managerial changes and financial difficulties, limited his opportunities despite winning the under-21s player of the year award just three days before his eventual release.
The Non-League Years: Building Character and Finding Goals
Following his release from Notts County, Bishop embarked on a journey through non-league football that would prove instrumental in shaping both his character and his goalscoring prowess. After a brief loan spell at Gloucester City, where he scored two goals in nine appearances, Bishop joined Worcester City in 2016-17, netting eight goals in 26 appearances.
His career took a significant turn when he signed for Leamington FC in 2017. Bishop recalls meeting manager Paul Holleran in a McDonald’s off a junction on the M6, where Holleran immediately instilled confidence in the young striker. Despite suffering a cruel ACL injury on Boxing Day 2017 that sidelined him for 10 months, Bishop returned with a vengeance, scoring an astonishing 29 goals in 36 games during the 2018-19 season despite missing the first 14 matches.
Colby Bishop’s Goal-Scoring Record by Club – A visual representation of his career progression from non-league to Championship level
During his time at Leamington, Bishop supplemented his income by working as a PE teacher at Bilsthorpe Flying High Academy in Newark, Nottinghamshire, teaching children aged 4-11. Remarkably, he was in the process of enrolling on a primary school teacher training course at Nottingham Trent University when his football career took an unexpected turn.
The Life-Changing Phone Call
Bishop’s transition from teaching to full-time professional football came through a serendipitous phone call during his lunch break at school. Whilst eating beans on toast, he received a call from Accrington Stanley manager John Coleman offering him the chance to join the League One club. Bishop famously replied: “Yes, that would be great. I’ve got PE with Year 4 in a minute, though. Can I call you back later?”
The meeting took place at a restaurant, and terms were agreed quickly. For Bishop, the choice was clear: “I’m a teacher and someone offered me League One football”.
Accrington Stanley: Proving His Worth
Joining Accrington Stanley in July 2019 for an undisclosed fee, Bishop made an immediate impact. He scored his first goal for the club from the penalty spot in just his second appearance, during a 3-1 EFL Cup defeat to Sunderland. Over three seasons with Stanley, Bishop scored 39 goals in 123 appearances, establishing himself as a reliable goalscorer at League One level.
His performances caught the attention of Portsmouth FC, who were preparing for their return to League One under new management. Bishop’s consistent goal return and work ethic made him an attractive proposition for clubs seeking to climb the football pyramid.
Portsmouth FC: Finding His Home
On 21 July 2022, Bishop signed for Portsmouth FC for a fee reported to be £500,000, penning a three-year contract with an option for a further year. The move to the south coast would prove transformative for both player and club.
2022-23: An Instant Impact
Bishop’s debut season at Fratton Park was nothing short of spectacular. Making 52 appearances across all competitions, he netted 24 goals and provided four assists, establishing himself as the club’s leading scorer. His performances were so impressive that he was unanimously named Portsmouth’s Player of the Season, winning all 15 supporter awards plus the Players’ Player of the Season from his teammates.
Bishop’s impact extended beyond just goals. His work rate, link-up play, and ability to bring teammates into the game made him the focal point of Portsmouth’s attack. He polled a staggering 70 per cent of the vote among supporters for the Player of the Season award, with second-placed Joe Morrell receiving just 8.91 per cent.
2023-24: Championship Glory
Colby Bishop’s Portsmouth FC Performance by Season – Showcasing his consistent goal-scoring ability and remarkable 2024-25 recovery from heart surgery
Bishop’s second season proved even more successful as Portsmouth mounted a serious challenge for the League One title. Despite the increased pressure and expectation, Bishop delivered when it mattered most, scoring 21 goals in 48 appearances and providing eight assists. His consistent performances throughout the campaign earned him selection in the PFA League One Team of the Year.
Portsmouth’s title triumph was secured in dramatic fashion, with Bishop playing a crucial role in the club’s return to the Championship after a 12-year absence. The striker finished as the league’s second-highest scorer, trailing only behind other prolific forwards.
The Heart Surgery Ordeal: A Test of Character
Just as Bishop’s career was reaching new heights, a routine pre-season medical check in July 2024 revealed a potential heart irregularity that would threaten everything he had worked for. The discovery came at a particularly challenging time, with his wife Annabel 39 weeks pregnant with their first child.
Bishop underwent immediate heart surgery in August 2024, just 12 days after the birth of his daughter Camilla. The procedure was performed by a world-leading expert using ground-breaking techniques, but the recovery timeline remained uncertain.
The Remarkable Recovery
What followed was a testament to Bishop’s mental strength and determination. Setting himself a personal target of returning within three months, Bishop defied medical expectations by making his comeback on 9 November 2024, just three months and two days after surgery. His return came as a substitute against Preston North End, and remarkably, he marked the occasion with a penalty goal in the 89th minute, sealing a 3-1 victory.
The emotional impact of the moment was evident as Bishop celebrated in front of his wife and newborn daughter, who were present in the South Stand. He later reflected: “For me, scoring on Saturday has probably got a little more to it than when we won the title. The title was one of those things where you kind of knew it was going to happen. Whereas three months ago I didn’t know whether this was going to happen again”.
Personal Life and Family
Bishop’s personal life has been marked by significant milestones during his time at Portsmouth. He married his wife Annabel, and together they welcomed their daughter Camilla in July 2024. The timing of Camilla’s birth, coinciding with Bishop’s heart surgery discovery, added extra emotional weight to an already challenging period.
Annabel has been a constant source of support throughout Bishop’s career, particularly during the heart surgery ordeal. Writing on Instagram about the experience, she revealed: “Hearing the words your husband needs heart surgery is something you never ever want to hear, especially not at 39 weeks pregnant”. Her presence at Bishop’s comeback match, along with baby Camilla, provided a powerful symbol of family unity and resilience.
Playing Style and Characteristics
Bishop’s playing style has evolved significantly throughout his career, adapting to different levels of football whilst maintaining his core strengths. Standing at 180cm, he possesses the physical attributes to compete in aerial duels whilst also demonstrating excellent finishing ability with both feet, though he favours his right.
His style of play is characterised by intelligent movement in the penalty area, strong hold-up play, and an ability to link with teammates effectively. Bishop’s penalty-taking ability has also become a valuable asset, with a reliable conversion rate from the spot. His work rate and pressing from the front exemplify the modern striker’s role, contributing defensively whilst remaining a constant goal threat.
Portsmouth manager John Mousinho has praised Bishop’s adaptability to Championship football, noting: “I’ve been impressed with how quickly he has adapted to playing in the Championship because, as well as his threat in front of goal, he offers so much to the team”.
Statistical Performance and Records
Bishop’s statistical record at Portsmouth demonstrates his consistency and reliability as a goalscorer. Across his three seasons at Fratton Park, he has maintained an impressive goals-per-90-minutes ratio, with his Championship form particularly noteworthy given the step up in quality.
Club | Years | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards | Minutes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Notts County | 2014-2016 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 164 |
Gloucester City (loan) | 2016 | 9 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 593 |
Worcester City | 2016-2017 | 25 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 1,585 |
Boston United | 2017 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 602 |
Leamington | 2017-2019 | 49 | 28 | 0 | 0 | 3,510 |
Accrington Stanley | 2019-2022 | 123 | 38 | 11 | 4 | 10,186 |
Portsmouth | 2022-present | 132 | 56 | 10 | 13 | 10,597 |
Career Total | 2014-present | 352 | 132 | 21 | 17 | 27,237 |
His career trajectory shows a clear progression from his early struggles at Notts County to becoming a prolific scorer at non-league level, before establishing himself as a reliable performer in the Football League.
Season | Club | Division | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards | Minutes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2014-15 | Notts County | League One | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 162 |
2015-16 | Notts County/Gloucester City | League Two/NL North | 10 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 683 |
2016-17 | Worcester City/Boston United | National League North | 35 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 2,187 |
2017-18 | Leamington | National League North | 19 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 982 |
2018-19 | Leamington | National League North | 30 | 21 | 0 | 0 | 2,526 |
2019-20 | Accrington Stanley | League One | 32 | 12 | 4 | 1 | 3,388 |
2020-21 | Accrington Stanley | League One | 45 | 12 | 0 | 2 | 4,206 |
2021-22 | Accrington Stanley | League One | 47 | 15 | 2 | 1 | 4,066 |
2022-23 | Portsmouth | League One | 52 | 24 | 4 | 5 | 5,694 |
2023-24 | Portsmouth | League One | 48 | 21 | 8 | 4 | 4,199 |
2024-25 | Portsmouth | Championship | 32 | 11 | 3 | 3 | 2,636 |
The transformation from a player who failed to score in his first professional appearances to one who has netted over 130 career goals represents one of football’s great development stories.
Achievements and Honours
Award/Achievement | Year | Type | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
Portsmouth Player of the Season | 2022-23 | Individual | Won all 15 supporter awards plus Players’ Player |
Players’ Player of the Season | 2022-23 | Individual | Voted by Portsmouth teammates |
PFA League One Team of the Year | 2023-24 | Individual | Selected alongside Marlon Pack |
PFA League One Player of the Year | 2023-24 | Individual | Top Six shortlist |
PFA League One Fans’ Player of the Year | 2023-24 | Individual | Nominated |
League One Champions | 2023-24 | Team | Portsmouth’s first promotion since 2003 |
Birmingham Senior Cup | 2018-19 | Team | With Leamington FC |
Contract Extension | 2025 | Personal | Signed until 2028, worth £2.08m |
Bishop’s trophy cabinet reflects both individual excellence and team success. His Portsmouth Player of the Season award in 2022-23 marked him as one of the club’s most important signings in recent years. The League One championship in 2023-24 represents the pinnacle of his team achievements to date, with his 21 goals playing a crucial role in Portsmouth’s promotion.
His selection for the PFA League One Team of the Year provided professional recognition of his outstanding 2023-24 campaign. Most recently, his contract extension until 2028, agreed in February 2025, demonstrates Portsmouth’s commitment to building their future around the striker.
Recent Form and Future Prospects
Following his remarkable recovery from heart surgery, Bishop has continued to demonstrate his value to Portsmouth in the Championship. His 11 goals in 32 appearances during the 2024-25 season represent an impressive return, particularly considering his extended absence. His goal against Watford in April 2025 highlighted his continued importance to the team’s survival efforts in the second tier.
Bishop’s adaptation to Championship football has been particularly impressive, with his goals-per-90-minutes ratio of 0.48 placing him among the top performers in the division since his return from surgery. Only Leeds United’s Joel Piroe has scored more goals than Bishop since his comeback in November 2024, underlining his immediate impact upon returning to action.
The Magic Man’s Legacy
Colby Bishop’s story transcends mere football statistics. His journey from non-league teaching assistant to Championship striker embodies the dreams of countless footballers who refuse to abandon their ambitions despite early setbacks. His recent heart surgery and recovery have added another chapter to an already remarkable narrative, demonstrating that some challenges extend far beyond the football pitch.
At Portsmouth, Bishop has found not just a club but a spiritual home. His declaration that “I love living here, I love playing for Portsmouth and my family love it here. I feel like I have a special connection with the fans” reflects a genuine bond that extends beyond contractual obligations. This connection was evident during his emotional return from heart surgery, when Fratton Park erupted in celebration as he scored his comeback penalty.
The striker’s nickname “The Magic Man” perfectly encapsulates his ability to produce moments of brilliance when Portsmouth need them most. Whether scoring crucial goals in title-deciding matches or returning from life-threatening surgery to immediately impact games, Bishop has consistently demonstrated an almost supernatural ability to rise to the occasion.
As Portsmouth continue their Championship campaign with Bishop leading the line, the striker’s story serves as inspiration not just to aspiring footballers but to anyone facing seemingly insurmountable challenges. His transformation from a released teenager to a Championship striker, via teaching primary school children, represents the very best of football’s capacity to change lives and provide second chances.
For Portsmouth FC supporters, Colby Bishop represents more than just a goalscorer – he embodies the club’s own journey back to prominence, their resilience in the face of adversity, and their unwavering belief in brighter days ahead. As he continues to find the net and lead Portsmouth’s charge in the Championship, the Magic Man’s story remains very much a work in progress, with the best chapters potentially still to come.
