The arrivals of Colby Bishop and Joe Pigott don’t only help fill a previously vacant forward department that was sadly devoid of any senior strikers, it finally brings quality to the Blues’ attacking ranks for the season ahead – with both players having impressive track records at this level.
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Josh Griffiths’ arrival on loan from West Brom means Danny Cowley finally has someone he can trust to fill the boots of Gavin Bazunu.
Of course, there’s the small matter of Marcus Harness’ departure to Ipswich to contend with – and who will be recruited to fill that particular void.
But coupled with the noticeable signings of Marlon Pack, Zak Swanson and Joe Rafferty, Blues fans are beginning to feel positive about a season that kicks off in eight days time at Sheffield Wednesday.
Yet is that growing optimism at Fratton Park being replicated in the odds for promotion at the bookies?
We had a look at SkyBet’s latest figures for the League One promotion race and here's what we discovered...
9. Bristol Rovers - 28/1
IN: Jordan Rossiter (Fleetwood, undisc), James Gibbons (Port Vale, free), James Connolly (Cardiff, undisc), John Marquis (Lincoln, free). OUT: Sam Nicholson (Colorado Rapids, free). Photo: Harry Trump
10. Accrington - 28/1
IN: Mo Sangare (Newcastle, free), Matt Lowe (Brackley Town, free), Lukas Jensen (Burnley, loan), Shaun Whalley (Shrewsbury, free), Ryan Astley (Everton, loan). OUT: Matt Butcher (Plymouth, free), Ross Sykes (Royale Union SG, undisc), Colby Bishop (Pompey, undisc). Photo: Bryn Lennon
11. Shrewsbury - 25/1
IN: Jordan Shipley (Coventry, undisc), Tom Bayliss (Preston, free), Julien Dacosta (Coventry, loan), Chey Dunkley (Sheff Weds, free), Aiden O'Brien (Portsmouth, free), Taylor Moore (Bristol City, loan). OUT: Josh Vela (Fleetwood, free), David Davis (Forest Green, free). Photo: George Wood
12. Lincoln - 20/1
IN: Paudie O’Connor (Bradford, free), Charles Vernam (Bradford, free), Tashan Oakley-Boothe (Stoke, loan), Jay Benn (Halifax, undisc), Danny Mandriou (Shamrock Rovers, undisc), Carl Rushworth (Brighton, loan). OUT: Conor McGrandles (Charlton, free), Theo Archibald (Leyton Orient, undisc), Max Melbourne (Morecambe, free), Cohen Brammall (Rotherham, undisc). Photo: George Wood