Just like their promotion ambitions, the Blues will be enviously looking on when the league’s bosses are handing out the top gongs at the end of the season.
That’s after they were overlooked as the EFL announced its shortlist for the much coveted manager of the year, player of the year and young player of the year awards for the 2022-23 season.
The Blues have not not been totally omitted from the gala awards ceremony that will take place at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel on Sunday, April 23.
Popular Fratton Park steward, Abdul Khalique, is one of three nominees for the Club Employee prize.
The successful Portsmouth FC scholarship – one of the flagship activations in the partnership between the club and the University of Portsmouth – has also been recognised for the EFL Innovation Award.
But with ninth-placed Pompey’s early-season promotion credentials found wanting come the autumn, and John Mousinho replacing the sacked Danny Cowley as head coach in January, chances of a nomination for their on-the-pitch endeavours were extremely unlikely.
Realistically, only top scorer Colby Bishop stood a chance of being shortlisted, with the Blues striker currently third in the League One scoring charts with 19 goals.
Yet he too was overlooked, with the EFL opting for three other candidates to win their top League One player award.
Here are those nominees for the manager, player and young player prizes.
5. Jonson Clarke-Harris - Peterborough United (Player of the Year)
The Posh striker is League One's top goalscorer this season with 24 goals to his name in the division to date. The 28-year-old also has four assists as Peterborough's late charge towards promotion continues. Photo: David Rogers
6. Barry Bannan - Sheffield Wednesday (Player of the Year)
Widely considered the best player in the division, the Sheffield Wednesday man's inclusion is no surprise. At 33 years of age, he's clearly still got it - as demonstrated by his six goals and 10 assists so far for the current league leaders. Photo: George Wood
7. Jesurun Rak-Sakyi - Charlton on loan (Young Player of the Year)
On loan from Crystal Palace, the 20-year-old winger has taken League One by storm this season. Is currently on 13 goals and six assists for a Charlton side that has struggled for consistency all term. Photo: GLYN KIRK
8. Cameron Humphreys - Ipswich Town (Young Player of the Year)
The homegrown midfielder hasn't looked out of place in an Ipswich side that has been put together at great expense. Has made 17 league appearances this season as the Tractor Boys aim for automatic promotion. Photo: Michael Steele