Grateful Bramall backs Pompey for play-off push

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."