So when we asked The News readers on Facebook to name the player who first made them fall in love with Pompey – and who they believe is the club’s greatest of all time – the response was nothing short of phenomenal.
Hundreds of you piled in, filling the comments with memories, friendly arguments and more than a few heartfelt tributes. What followed was a roll call of Fratton Park royalty.
Here are a few of the comments readers made:
Brett Holdaway: “The Prosmeister. Played for Barca and Real. And us. Looked like Zidane with a cigar on. And we nearly went down that season!”
Rob Ellis: “Jimmy Dickinson. An international centre half, never even spoken to by a referee never mind booked.”
Mark Woolley: “For me it would have to be Paul Walsh. He was brilliant for us. Says something that he won player of the season ahead of Guy Whittingham who scored 49 goals that season.”
Mel Clarke: “Merson was a huge impact on the team, definitely one of the best players to don the Pompey shirt .”
Let’s meet the legends you chose ...
1. Robert Prosinečki
Robert Prosinečki lit up Fratton Park during the 2001–02 season, becoming an instant cult hero for his extraordinary technique and creativity. His hat-trick against Barnsley remains one of the most memorable individual Pompey performances. Though he stayed only one season, scoring nine goals in 35 appearances, he is still fondly remembered as one of the club’s most gifted players and received the most nominations in our fans' greatest player of all time poll. | Getty Images
2. Paul Merson
Paul Merson joined Portsmouth in 2002 and played a key role in guiding the club to the First Division title and promotion to the Premier League. His vision, leadership and experience transformed Pompey’s attacking play under Harry Redknapp. Merson’s influence on that title-winning team remains one of the defining stories of the club’s modern era. He scored 12 goals in 44 games. | Getty Images
3. Jimmy Dickinson
Jimmy Dickinson is a true Portsmouth legend, spending his entire playing career at the club from 1946 to 1965. He made more than 800 appearances and played a central role in back-to-back league title victories in 1949 and 1950. Known as 'Gentleman Jim', he later served Pompey as both manager and long-time club secretary. | Getty Images
4. Lassana Diarra
Lassana Diarra’s short spell at Portsmouth between 2008 and 2009 showcased his world-class midfield talent. He was instrumental in Pompey’s FA Cup triumph in 2008, dominating midfields with energy and technical precision. His performances earned him a big-money move to Real Madrid, but he is still revered for the pivotal role he played in the club’s last major trophy win. | Getty Images