Pompey chief executive Andy Cullen believes the fans have had a huge role to play in the Blues’ recent results.

Andy Cullen has heaped praise on the Pompey fans for their ‘incredible support’ over the past two ‘exhausting’ weeks.

The Blues chief executive believes the extraordinary backing John Mousinho’s side have received since the derby defeat at Southampton has truly made a difference - not just to results, but also in the confidence levels of the players.

Pompey have bounced back from their St Mary’s disappointment on October 11 in style by collecting seven points from a possible nine.

That includes a dramatic 3-2 win against Sheffield United at Fratton Park and last Saturday’s impressive 1-0 win at Norwich, which was quickly followed by a battling 1-1 draw with Wolves at Molineux on Tuesday night.

The three match unbeaten run that followed hot on the heels of the loss against 10-man Southampton sees Mousinho & Co sit just two points off the play-offs going into today’s home game against Millwall (12.30pm kick-off).

It also means the Blues are on their best run of the season to date, with just one defeat in seven outings.

According to Cullen, that would not have been possible if it wasn’t for the fans’ backing, with the CEO singling out the support received at Norwich and Wolves, where 1,602 and 1,976 members of the Fratton faithful respectively made the long-distance trips.

‘I must acknowledge the incredible support we received both at Carrow Road and at Molineux,’ wrote Cullen in his programme notes ahead of the Millwall game.

‘The backing, encouragement and positivity shown towards the side from the travelling fans were outstanding.

‘A number of players were given special encouragement in the first of those matches and that demonstrated just how much you can genuinely influence confidence, belief and performance levels.

‘We often talk about the connection between those on the pitch and those in the stands – and this was another example of that relationship at its very best.

‘Quite simply, you truly do make a difference.

‘Norwich have asked us to pass on their thanks for the respect shown by you all with the tribute to former joint majority owner Michael Wynn Jones which took place prior to kick-off. Every one of you was a credit to Portsmouth Football Club.

‘We followed that victory up by collecting a good point on the road at Wolves and we all want to thank the 1,976 of you who made the long journey in the middle of the week.

‘Once again, that in itself says everything about the extraordinary support this club enjoys.’

Jojo Dia was among those pinpointed for extra encouragement by the travelling Fratton faithful at Carrow Road.

The defender has since produced two sterling performances that have allowed Pompey to keep in touch with Championship rivals who are hell-bent on being in the promotion equation at the end of the season.

The Blues could find themselves in the play-off places tonight if results go their way today.

Cullen also believes that is testament to the strength of character within the Fratton Park dressing room.

He added: ‘It has been an exhausting and demanding run of matches over these past two weeks, but that trio of performances demonstrated the high standards of resilience, determination and commitment, which have each become a consistent hallmark of this team over recent seasons when bouncing back from a disappointment.

‘The win against the Blades typified a side that refused to give in after our opponents came back into the game and an emotional late Ebou Adams strike will remain long in the memory. That was quickly followed by the long trip to Norfolk, where back-to-back successes were secured.’

For your next Pompey read: LIVE Pompey v Millwall: Updates with weather warning amid Storm Boelo