It’s a key period in the football calendar for players to familiarise themselves with new players or clubs, to build strong bonds with their team-mates, to build their fitness levels up for the new season, and to learn what is expected of them for the next 10 months.
Miss it, and you’re playing catch-up!
However, not all players can benefit from a full pre-season, especially if they remain out of contract and without a club.
Here’s 15 former Pompey players who currently find themselves in that boat and with question marks hanging over their next career moves.
5. Lee Brown
Age: 33. Position: Left-back. Pompey record: 131 appearances, 6 goals. Last club: AFC Wimbledon (77 appearances). | National World
6. Di'Shon Bernard
Age: 23. Position: Central defender. Pompey record: 10 appearances. Last club: Sheffield Wednesday (36 appearances). Photo: Jason Brown
7. Shaun Williams
Age: 37. Position: Central midfield. Pompey record: 35 appearances. Last club: Gillingham (63 appearances, 4 goals). | National World
8. John Akinde
Age: 35. Position: Striker. Pompey record: 11 appearances, 0 goals. Last club: Colchester (86 appearances, 12 goals). | Getty Images