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.
25. Tom McIntyre - MISS
(14 games, 0 goals) Certainly one of the unluckiest Pompey players of recent times. Bought from Reading in January 2024 to help Pompey's promotion push, he collected a broken ankle and a red card in the same challenge on his debut against Northampton. While the red card was rescinded, the centre-half's Pompey career was never able to recover. Although he returned last season, following a hamstring injury, he largely struggled and, following his forgettable performance in the 4-0 defeat at Derby in December 2024, never played in the Championship for Pompey again. Currently on loan at Bradford. Photo: Mike Hewitt
26. Elias Sorensen - MISS
(13 games, 1 goals) Made a dream start to life at Fratton Park following his arrival from Esbjerg, netting 23 minutes into his debut in the 3-3 draw with Leeds on the opening day of the Championship. However, the Danish striker soon looked out of this depth, slipping entirely out of first-team contention, and Pompey swiftly cut their losses by offloading him to Norwegian club Valerenga in January 2025 for around £250,000. Photo: Jason Brown
27. Franco Umeh - JURY'S STILL OUT
(0 games, 0 goals) The deadline day arrival from Crystal Palace has still to feature following a hamstring injury he picked up at his former club. Photo: Portsmouth FC
28. Josh Murphy - HIT
(46 games, seven goals) Pompey's best winger since the Premier League years. A throw-back in many ways, loving to go on the outside of players using pace and very direct, and has been an absolute joy to watch them fit. There were fears he may depart late in the last transfer window, but now Murphy has signed a new deal, potentially keeping him here even longer. Signed on a free from Oxford and a former team-mate of John Mousinho. A revelation. Photo: Jason Brown/ProSportsImages