During that period alongside John Mousinho, he has overseen the Blues capturing the League One title and now enjoying successive seasons in the Championship, currently in 14th spot.
With the Hughes era beginning in October 2022, we’ve taken a look at all 43 permanent signings since them - rating each of them.
NOTE: These do not include Pompey’s 16 loan recruits during that time, which will be examined another day.
9. Connor Shaughnessy - HIT
(58 games, five goals) The free transfer from Burton (although he did turn down a new contract with them, in fairness) wasn't even in the squad for the opening day of the 2023-24 season. Yet he established himself as an outstanding performer and headed in the goal which secured the League One title. Classy and comfortable on the ball, he makes defending look easy and is clearly Championship calibre. Yet frequent injuries over the last 12 months have devastated his Pompey career. Photo: Stephen Flynn
10. Callum Lang - HIT
(47 games, 14 goals) With Pompey wanting to bolster their position at the top of League One in January 2024, they paid a fee to land the attacker from Wigan. Lang announced his arrival by scoring and grabbing an assist after coming off the bench for his debut at Oxford United - and has subsequently been a huge favourite. Scored four goals in a game against Coventry in December 2024 and finished last season as second-highest scorer, despite injury. Indeed, injuries have been a huge concern, but he is meant to return in November. Photo: Dan Istitene
11. Gavin Whyte - MISS
(34 games, one goal) Formerly a team-mate of John Mousinho at Oxford United, the winger was snapped up from Cardiff, yet was a crushing disappointment. Granted there were glimpses, with assists against Bolton and at Peterborough, while he could not be faulted for effort, but overall there was sparse creativity and very little to be impressed about. Whether operating as the number 10, on the left wing or the right wing, sadly Whyte failed to perform. Now at Derry City. Photo: Jason Brown
12. Christian Saydee - HIT
(73 games, 7 goals) Was he a centre-forward or was he a number 10? Regardless, the former Bournemouth youngster established himself as a popular figure among the fans who loved his physicality, commitment, ability to drive with the ball and the handy knack of causing chaos. The goal against Oxford at Fratton Park in the promotion race will live long in the moment and a fitting moment to end his Blues career was scoring in his last game against Hull. Sold to Wigan in the summer for a profit. Photo: Gary Oakley