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.
29. Reuben Swann - JURY STILL OUT
(0 games, 0 goals) Signed from AFC Sudbury in the summer of 2023 as a project, the teenager was never going to instantly impact the first-team. Instead the plan was to develop him, including sending the midfielder on loan. Unsurprisingly, has not played for John Mousinho's first-team yet, while has featured in just three pre-season friendlies, so we have seen little on him. Still only 19, he needs time. Moved to the Hawks on a month's loan last week. Photo: Alex Shute
30. Jordan Archer - ON THE FENCE
(3 games, 0 goals) Recruited from QPR on a free transfer, Archer was earmarked to be back-up to Will Norris. Then Pompey signed Nicolas Schmid and there was a complete reshuffle - and then Ben Killip arrived. Did extremely well at Cardiff after Schmid came off with concussion and overall has looked solid and dependable. Now finds himself fourth-choice keeper and not even registered in the 25-man Football League squad. Not be great, not been bad. Photo: Jason Brown
31. Josef Bursik - JURY'S STILL OUT
(3 games, 0 goals) Wasn't even on the bench at Southampton, then two games later the Club Brugge signing was starting at Ipswich. It has been a swift introduction into the first-team for Bursik, albeit due to Nicolas Schmid's injury and concerns over Ben Killip. Looked solid, calm and his kicking has been consistently accurate. Only three games, mind, but still very encouraging. Photo: Graham Hunt
32. Jacob Farrell - JURY'S STILL OUT
(2 games, 0 goals) Pompey paid a fee to land the Australian from Central Coast Mariners in July 2024, but he has featured only twice since. That is primarily because of an injury-ravaged maiden season, when Sheffield United at home was his only appearance. This term, now fit, he is being kept out by Connor Ogilvie's superb form, carried over from last season. Certainly haven't seen enough to be able to judge whether he's a hit or miss. Photo: Simon Roe