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...
17. Oxford United - 4/1
IN: Ciaron Brown (Cardiff, free), Stuart Findlay (Philadelphia Union, undisc). OUT: Luke McNally (Burnley, £1.8m), Mark Sykes (Bristol City, free), Ryan Williams (Perth Glory, undisc). Photo: Alex Burstow
18. Barnsley - 4/1
IN: Jamie Searle (Swansea, free), Luca Connell (Celtic, free), Robbie Cundy (Bristol City, free), Conor McCarthy (St Mirren, free), Nicky Cadden (Forest Green, free), James Norwood (Ipswich, free). OUT: Patrick Schmidt (Admira Wacker, free), Cauley Woodrow (Luton, undisc), Carlton Morris (Luton, undisc), Victor Adeboyejo (Burton, free), Jordan Green (Gillingham, free), George Miller (signed for Doncaster). Photo: Dan Istitene
19. Bolton - 7/2
IN: Jack Iredale (Cambridge, free), James Trafford (Man City, loan), Conor Bradley (Liverpool, loan), Eoin Toal (Derry City, undisc). OUT: Ronan Darcy (Swindon, undisc), Liam Gordon (Walsall, free). Photo: Gareth Copley
20. MK Dons - 3/1
IN: Matt Dennis (Norwich, undisc), Ethan Robson (Blackpool, free), Jack Tucker (Gillingham, compensation fee), Nathan Holland (West Ham, free), Conor Grant (Rochdale, undisc), Darragh Burns (St Patrick's Ath, undisc), Jamie Cumming (Chelsea, loan), Louie Barry (Aston Villa, loan), Dawson Devoy (Bohemians, undisc), Will Grigg (Sunderland, free), Bradley Johnson (Blackburn, free). OUT: Harry Darling (Swansea, undisc), Scott Twine (Burnley, undisc), David Kasumu (Huddersfield, undisc), Hiram Boateng (Mansfield, free). Photo: Marc Atkins