Grateful Bramall backs Pompey for play-off push

BBC News

16-05-2025

Cohen Bramall is grateful for an "amazing time" with Portsmouth - and says he expects the Blues to challenge for the Championship play-offs next season.The 29-year-old former Rotherham, Lincoln and Colchester left-back made 12 Championship appearances, four of them starts, after arriving at Fratton Park from the Millers in January on a short-term deal.The one-time Arsenal youngster told BBC Radio Solent that not being offered a new contract by Pompey had not come as a shock, saying: "It wasn't surprising because of the financial situation and the players already in that position. "I kind of got told that already before I signed. The reason why I signed is that it's Portsmouth, a massive club, and a bigger platform to play on, and I back myself to perform and show the league, the team, myself and other people what I'm all about."I appreciate the gaffer being honest with me. He took a gamble on bringing me in. I am more than grateful to him for giving me the opportunity."I went from playing two years in the Championship with Rotherham to not really playing a lot in League One under Steve Evans. "It doesn't look great, a League One player going to a team in that position in the Championship in January - I am guessing the fans would want a higher standard of player, but the fact they welcomed me and gave me the time of day was amazing and refreshing for my mental state."Before I came I wasn't in the greatest of headspaces. It wasn't a good time. Fratton Park brought me back to normal. It brought back so much confidence and knowing how well I can play. I got back to my old self."I am at peace. I did the best I could. I might have not been offered a deal but it feels good to have played a part in keeping Portsmouth up."Bramall says he'll "wait and see" where he ends up next season, though he already has an idea where Pompey may find themselves."I think play-offs, and that's not stretching it," he said. "Minimum you're looking at top 10 - we finished so strong at home, if we can tidy up a few things with away performances and be more solid, they can 100% creep into the play-offs."It's one of the hardest leagues in the world. My first year at Rotherham we stayed up, second year, back-to-back, it's hard to stay up. You have to replicate and more. It was mentally draining, but I think they'll be sweet."