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.
13. Anton Walkes - 7/10
Pompey stats: 66 appearances, 3 goals. Verdict: Walkes initially signed for Pompey on loan from Spurs in January 2018, scoring on his debut in a 2-2 draw against Doncaster, before earning a £200,000 permanent move that summer. A hugely popular figure among his team-mates, over two years he featured at right-back, left-back, centre-half or as a holding midfielder, totalling 66 appearances and three goals. Tasted Wembley glory in March 2019, as he appeared off the bench in the Checkatrade Trophy final penalty shoot-out victory against the Black Cats. | National World
14. Stephen Henderson - 3/10
Pompey stats: 1 appearances. Verdict: The keeper's January deadline-day Blues return proved a curveball, to say the least, when a centre-midfielder was required. The Irishman picked up a thigh injury on debut which sidelined him for the rest of the campaign. At least it allowed for Kal Naismith’s memorable cameo in goal against Doncaster. | Getty Images
15. Ronan Curtis - 9/10
Pompey stats: appearances, goals. Verdict: Signed from League of Ireland side Derry City, the forwards scored 57 goals and registered 27 assists during his 226 games for the club. Now departed, the Irishman remains Pompey's highest scorer in the 21st century. Not bad for a player who cost £100,000 in the summer of 2018. | National World
16. Lee Brown - 8/10
Pompey stats: 131 appearances, 6 goals. Verdict: After arriving at Pompey on a free transfer from Bristol Rovers in June 2018, Brown wore the captain's armband, played at Wembley twice, won the Checkatrade Trophy, and featured in two League One play-off semi-final campaigns. | National World