Pompey can take inspiration from Leicester

The long-serving Leicester midfielder has become the first player to win the League One, Championship and Premier League title, following the heroics of Claudio Ranieri’s side.

Less than six years ago, however, the one-club man was being hit for six at Fratton Park.

It is fair to say the two sides have gone in different directions since Pompey’s televised 6-1 thumping of the Foxes in September 2010.

Liam Lawrence and Dave Kitson netted doubles, with Michael Brown and David Nugent also on target for Steve Cotterill’s side.

A certain Jamie Vardy, meanwhile, was plying his trade in the Northern Premier League with Halifax Town, five leagues below the Championship encounter.

Nugent and Vardy would later combine to fire the Foxes into the top flight, before the latter exploded to prominence in a remarkable personal story surpassed only by his team’s achievements.

The unthinkable tale of the 5,000-1 no-hopers who became English champions is destined for Hollywood.

As for Pompey, the final chapter of this season’s script remains unwritten.

The Blues’ financially-troubled descent to England’s bottom tier has been well documented.

But if there is one thing that 6-1 Foxes mauling shows, it is that a lot can happen in football in a relatively short space of time.

An astute knowledge of the transfer market (preferably including an ability to spot a future England international in non-league football), an incredible work ethic and good old-fashioned team spirit can take a club a long way.

And with Pompey now back on sound financial footing, it is Leicester who should be the blueprint and inspiration for what can be achieved by a club with ambitions to exceed all others’ expectations.

After all it was less than six years ago the Blues were dismantling the Foxes in front of the Fratton faithful – not that King cares to remember.