None of us have escaped the pain of seeing a firm Fratton favourite leave for pastures new - whether it be through financial issues at the club, a player falling out of favour with the manager, an offer proving too good to be true, or the player himself wanting a new challenge elsewhere.
It’s a painful circumstance to watch as it unfolds and can stir up emotions long after the said player is left.
As a result, it’s probably a subject matter that some don’t want to be reminded off. For others, though, they’ll happily reminisce about players who got away - as @Pompey_Goals found out when he asked Blues supporters on X, formerly Twitter, ‘Which was the first player Pompey sold that really hurt you?’
The response from the Fratton faithful was impressive, with a whole host of names offered up. So much so that we asked @Pompey_Goals to run a story on the names mentioned.
So here’s 18 former Pompey players fans wished had never been sold without evening mentioning Mick Quinn, Benjani, Vince Hilaire, Noel Blake, Steve Claridge, Peter Mellor, Jed Wallace and Matty Taylor!
9. Sammy Igoe
The midfielder emerged through the Fratton Park ranks to make 177 appearances and score 11 goals during a 13-year Blues stay. He joined Reading in 2000, @_calebjohnson said on X: 'Sammy Igoe. Got the kit with his name on for Christmas then sold him in Jan.' | National World
10. Steve Foster
Foster was born in Southsea, raised in North End and featured 130 times for Pompey before he was recruited by top-flight Brighton in August 1979. He's pictured here playing for Luton in the 1988 League Cup final against Arsenal. | Getty Images
11. John Aloisi
The Aussie forward netted 29 goals in 66 matches following his arrival from Italian side Cremonese in August 1997. He was sold to Coventry for £690,000 in December 1998 at a time when Pompey were in financial trouble. @ChillandBill1 commented: 'King John sold for pennies to Coventry'. | Getty Images
12. Guy Whittingam
The Pompey legend was sold to Aston Villa for £1.2m in 1993 after more than 100 goals for the Blues. @DeanPre22968287 wrote: '@guywhittingham to Villa, deserved the move but was gutting as him and Walshie was the perfect partnership.' @rik_may added: 'Corporal punishment - p****d me off seeing him playing as a winger for Wednesday. Best striker I have ever seen for Pompey.' Photo: Getty Images