But after securing this season’s League One title with an impressive 97 points, the countdown is on for the Blues’ first match back in English football’s second tier.
We’ll know better on June 26, when the fixtures are released, where that return will take place and against whom – with the opening day of the 2024-25 season pencilled in for the weekend of August 10.
In the meantime, here’s some cracking fans images from the last game of Pompey’s 2011-12 Championship campaign. The match was played at Nottingham Forest’s City ground on April 28, with relegation to League One already confirmed.
Michael Appleton’s side lost 2-0 following two late efforts from Forest’s Dexter Blackstock. Yet the defeat and the off-the-pitch troubles the Blues found themselves in didn’t stop the loyal travelling Fratton faithful from enjoying their day out and showing the Champ what they would be missing!
See if you can spot anyone who might recognise.
5. Pompey fans in the Championship
The Mario brothers were in the away end on April 28, 2012. Photo: Allan Hutchings
6. Pompey fans in the Championship
Plenty of Pompey fans came in fancy dress for the Blues' last game in the 2011-12 Championship. Photo: Allan Hutchings
8. Pompey fans in the Championship
Robin Hood and his band of merry men make their presence felt in the City Ground's away end. Photo: Allan Hutchings