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.

5. Cambridge United v Pompey - away win
Cambridge United win: 21%. Pompey win: 52%. Draw: 27%. Photo: Jason Brown

6. Cheltenham v Fleetwood - away win
Cheltenham win:33%. Fleetwood win: 37%. Draw: 30%. Photo: Clive Mason

7. Derby v Shrewsbury - home win
Derby win: 57%. Shrewsbury win: 18%. Draw: 25%. Photo: Nathan Stirk

8. Ipswich v Burton Albion - home win
Ipswich win: 72%. Burton Albion win: 10%. Draw: 18%. Photo: Julian Finney

