Pompey will this week step up the process of deciding which of their current soon-to-be out-of-contract players will remain at Fratton Park next season and be part of their Championship plans.
The club did not want to start the job of talking to players while their promotion and title hopes remained in the balance. But with a place in the second tier now secured, that part of proeccedings can now begin.
In total 14 members of the Blues’ title-winning squad and first-team operations are sitting nervously waiting to hear the club’s plans for them, with deals set to expire at the end of June.
Some tough decisions need to be made and, no doubt, some will leave PO4 disappointed that their time at the club has come to an end.
But whose futures are on the line? Here’s a reminder of the players currently in the final weeks of their existing Fratton Park deals.
Note: the figure does no include loanees who have spent the season at the club.
9. Joe Rafferty
The right-back has been a reliable and consistent performer for Pompey ever since his free transfer move from Preston in 2022, establishing himself as a fans' favourite at Fratton Park. The 30-year-old has featured 41 times in all competitions this season, while 35 of his 38 league appearances has been starts. The three seasons prior to Rafferty's Fratton Park move were spent in the Championship, where he made 61 appearances for North End. | Getty Images
10. Liam Vincent
The 21-year-old left-back is still waiting on his Pompey debut after arriving from non-league Bromley in the summer of 2021. That's because he's spent the majority of his time at Fratton Park out on loan, with Tonbridge Angels his latest port of call. | National World
11. Connor Ogilvie
The defender is one of just two survivors of Kenny Jackett's spell in charge at Fratton Park - but what a signing he's proven to be. The 28-year-old is a 7/10 player every week at least and rarely lets the Blues down. He's made 120 appearances for the club, which would have been higher had it not been for a couple of injuries this season. Still featured 24 times in the league this term as he contributed hugely to Pompey's title success. | National World
12. Josh Dockerill
The Pompey Academy graduate has missed the entire season after suffering an ACL injury in Pompey's pre-season friendly against Gosport Borough. | National World Photo: Jason Brown