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.
9. Josh Martin
Age: 22. Position: Winger. Pompey record: 9 appearances, 0 goals. Last club: Pompey. | National World Photo: National World
10. Joe Mattock
Age: 34. Position: Left-back. Pompey record: 7 appearances. Last club: Harrogate (33 appearances, 1 goal). | Getty Images
11. Zak Swanson
Age: 23. Position: Right-back. Pompey record: 44 appearances, 3 goals. Last club: Pompey. | Getty Images
12. Jordy Hiwula
Age: 29. Position: Striker. Pompey record: 15 appearances, 3 goals. Last club: Morecambe (9 appearances). | National World