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.
21. Martin Devaney
The current Barnsley assistant manager was on trial at Pompey in 2012 following his release by Tranmere Rovers. | Getty Images
22. Ryan Bird
Ryan Bird completed a meteoric rise from electrician to pro after signing for Pompey following two goals at Hawks in 2013. Now 36, he last club was Slough. | The News
23. Moreno Torricelli
Harry Redknapp had a look at the Italian international and Juventus ace in 2002 - but opted against a deal. | Getty Images
24. Jonathan Afolabi
He was the mysterious triallist who answered Pompey’s striker SOS in 2023 and kept the seat warm for Colby Bishop, Joe Pigott and Dane Scarlett. | BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images