From his nine games in charge, the Blues have accumulated 17 points – thanks to five wins and two draws – and seen themselves shoot up the League One form table.
They do remain a mid-table side for now despite evidence of progress. But with 14 games remaining, there’s still time to address that and salvage something from the season.
Their next test is a trip to Cambridge United – a side who find themselves second from bottom in the table and in a real battle for avoid the drop.
But will today’s Abbey Road hosts have the necessary fight to stop a Blues side that is growing in confidence with every game?
Here’s what the so-called data experts at fivethirtyeight.com think, along with their predictions for the rest of today’s League One programme.
1. Goal, Portsmouth defender Ryley Towler scores, Portsmouth 1-1 Bolton Wanderers during the EFL Sky Bet League 1 match between Portsmouth and Bolton Wanderers at Fratton Park, Portsmouth, England on 28 February 2023.
Pompey travel to Cambridge United today in League One Photo: Jason Brown
2. Morecambe v Bolton - away win
Morecambe win: 18%. Bolton win: 58%. Draw: 24%. Photo: Jason Brown
3. Accrington v Forest Green Rovers - home win
Accrington win: 53%. Forest Green Rovers win: 19%. Draw: 28%. Photo: Naomi Baker
4. Bristol Rovers v Barnsley - away win
Bristol Rovers win: 18%. Barnsley win: 61%. Draw: 21%. Photo: Gareth Copley