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.
13. Haji Mnoga
Age: 22. Position: Central defender/right-back. Pompey record: 18 appearances, 1 goal. Last club: Pompey (spent last season on loan at Aldershot). | National World
14. Ryan Schofield
Age: 24. Position: Goalkeeper. Pompey record: 6 appearances. Last club: Pompey. | National World