It’s traditionally a time of the year when clubs up and down the country welcome a few unfamiliar faces into their ranks as they look to land themselves a bargain.
Last season, Josh Martin’s time at the club without a contract earned him a short-term Fratton Park deal and a League One winner’s medal, to boot! But for every Martin, there’s a Lloyd Sam who is deemed not up to task and allowed to leave without even a chat about an extended stay.
With that said, here’s 29 triallists Pompey have had down through the years that can be catagorised as either a success of a failure.
17. Vincent Pericard
Came on trial from Juventus in 2002 and went on to earn a contract and play in the Division One title-winning side. Harry and Jim weren't at all sure about the Frenchman at first, though. | The News
18. Andre Wisdom
Former Liverpool defender Andre Wisdom featured twice for Pompey in pre-season in the summer of 2022. The defender's last club was Warrington Town. | Jason Brown/ProSportsImages
19. Frederic Brando
Came on trial in 2002 prompting a Marlon Brando-inspired quote from Harry Redknapp saying 'he could be a contender'. He wasn't. | The News
20. Elijah Dixon-Bonner
Arrived in the summer of 2021 but no deal was sealed for the Liverpool man. Has since established himself at QPR. Signed a new two-year deal with the R's this month. | AFP via Getty Images