Pompey completed their quest for Championship football in April as they booked their return to the second tier of English footbal as League One Championships.
It proved to be a relentless pursuit that was initally started in the summer of 2017, after Paul Cook’s Blues secured the League Two title thanks to a 6-1 win over Cheltenham on the final day of the 2016-17 season.
Since then, Pompey have turned to three different managers/head coaches to achieve their goal - Kenny Jackett, Danny Cowley and John Mousinho. However, it was Mousinho who finally delivered the prize as his side went above and beyond what his two previous predecessors’ teams could achieve.
That guarantees him a place in Fratton Park folklore. But it’s fair to say, his achievements might not have been entirely possible had it not been for some of the work undertaken at Fratton Park in the years building up to this season’s success. As director Eric Eisner often points out, it’s process that has been built and allowed to take shape over time.
In that sense, both Jackett and Cowley have helped shape Pompey’s rise - not that they would want any of the credit - with the former kicking it all off under the Eisners.
Mistakes were made along the way, as we all know. But with the latest transfer window fast approaching, what tranfer successes and failings were there under Jackett’s charge? We’ve assessed his 50 transfers during his near three years at the Fratton Park helm - and this is what we’ve decided, with each player given a rating out of 10. See if you agree or disagree.

49. Lewis Ward - 5/10
Pompey stats: 0 appearances. Verdict: Ward moved to Fratton Park on loan in January after Alex Bass suffered a broken leg in training. Despite hoping for game-time after falling down the pecking order at Exeter, the former Reading youngster didn't make a single appearance for the Blues. No-one expected him too, though! | National World

50. Duncan Turnbull - 3/10
Pompey stats: 1 appearance. Verdict: It’s fair to say the keeper experienced a frustrating spell in England following his move from the States – a stint not helped, of course, by coronavirus. He was unable to secure a loan switch to the Hawks at the beginning of the 2020-21 campaign after trialling with the Westleigh Park outfit. Turnbull did make one appearance for Pompey - that came in the Blues’ 5-1 Papa John’s Trophy defeat at the hands of Peterborough Yet he only played 60 minutes, with Jackett opting to field fellow youngster Taylor Seymour for the last half hour. | National World

