Pompey wasted no time in starting their preparations for life in the Championship.
Just days after the final game of the season at Lincoln came the publication of the Blues’ retained list, which confirmed 10 Fratton Park exits.
Two more could follow suit as fans wait on news on the futures of Joe Morrell and Zak Swanson, both of whom had options on their contracts turned down but remain in contract talks with the club.
Those departures mean there are some important gaps to fill in the Pompey squad ahead of their return to the second tier of English football. It also guarantees a busy summer transfer window for sporting director Rich Highes.
But are we totally done with Fratton Park exits following the release of the retained list? Or could there be more player departures on the cards as the Blues look to ensure they have the most competitive squad possible for their Championship challenge.
Here, we take a look at who could potentially follow Sean Raggett, Joe Rafferty, Lee Evans & Co through the Fratton Park exit door before the summer is out, either on loan or on permanent deals.
9. Gavin Whyte (continued)
But the key issue is, can he produce it on a more regular basis at a higher level against better opposition? There’s serious reservations that he can, which means Pompey might have to be ruthless when it comes to the 28-year-old this summer. The only problem there is, Whyte signed a lucrative three-year-deal at Fratton Park last summer that has two years remaining Will he get a better contract if offers come in from him? Probably not. | National World
10. Anthony Scully
The winger has endured a wretched maiden Fratton Park season, having featured just nine times for the League One leaders following his move from Wigan. Scully struggled to break his way back into John Mousinho’s squad after undergoing a knee operation in August, which kept him out for four months. The unfortunate 24-year-old then returned to the treatment room following a knock to his ankle in March, which meant his last appearance came against Cheltenham on January 6 as an 83rd-minute substitute. | National World
11. Anthony Scully (continued)
The wide areas are two positions the Blues will no doubt try to strengthen this summer, giving Scully an even bigger mountain to climb as he attempts to turn his Pompey fortunes around. Will he be offered that chance remains to be seen. A clean break might be the best solution for both parties, though. | National World