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 ...
13. Teddy Sheringham
Striker Teddy Sheringham, pictured here with Steve Stone, joined Portsmouth for the 2003–04 Premier League season, bringing invaluable experience and intelligence to the squad. Even in the twilight of his career, he contributed crucial goals and calm leadership to help secure top-flight survival. His professionalism left a lasting impression on Pompey’s early Premier League years. He scored nine goals in 32 appearances for Pompey. | Getty Images
14. Patrik Berger
Patrik Berger arrived at Portsmouth in 2003 and quickly became a stylish attacking threat with his powerful left foot. He produced several standout performances in the Premier League, adding creativity and goals from midfield. Though injuries limited his consistency, Berger’s quality ensured he was one of the team’s most exciting players of that era. He scored eight goals in 52 appearances at Fratton Park. | Getty Images