Former Portsmouth trio and ex-Ipswich Town and Aston Villa men make surprise pre-season appearance in search for new club

Pompey’s Championship preparations ramp up once again this weekend, with a trip to Germany to face 2.Bundeliga outfit FC Darmstadt.

John Mousinho’s men jetted out on Thursday to ensure an extra day's worth of training ahead of Saturday’s showdown at the Merck-Stadion am Bollenfalltor.

It represents the Blues’ first contest against German opposition since 2008 when they faced Wolfsburg in the Uefa Cup.

There is just over a week to go until the campaign gets underway, with the Carabao Cup first round kick-starting proceedings before league action returns on August 15.

Former Pompey trio turn to PFA

As attention turns to the new season, three former Pompey players have taken preparations into their own hands - linking up with a summer-long training camp.

Ben Close, Lee Evans and Andre Green have all turned to the PFA (Professional Footballers' Association) in their quest to find a new club.

The trio are the latest ex-Fratton Park contingent to sign up to the programme, which allows out-of-contract members to keep their fitness levels up should sides come calling.

They are three of 47 free agents who have taken part in the fifth week of the camp, which has already been utilised by the likes of Tom McIntyre, Tyler Walker, John Marquis, James Bolton, Anthony Scully, Omar Bogle and Josh Oluwayemi.

The 10-week programme is based at Champney’s Springs in Leicestershire, which is now in its third year after being set up in 2024, and offers access to spa and gym facilities, strength and conditioning sessions, training and matches for players.

Last summer, the training program was utilised by John Swift prior to his Fratton Park return in July 2025.

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Who are the new ex-Pompey players to have joined PFA camp?

Close is a notable name to have signed up this week as he continues his search for a new club this summer.

The Fratton Park youth product, who totalled 190 appearances for Pompey following his 2016 debut, was released by Doncaster Rovers at the end of the campaign.

His exit brought to a close a tough five-year stay at the Eco Power Stadium, where he registered 124 outings in all competitions.

During his time with Grant McCann’s side the midfielder spent time on loan in non-league with Eastleigh and was also hampered by injury.

Signing up alongside Close was Evans, who is remembered fondly by the Fratton faithful for his contributions in the Blues’ League One title success.

After arriving on a short-term basis at PO4 in February 2024, the 32-year-old appeared four times, helping Mousinho’s troops secure their long-awaited Championship return.

The four-time promotion winner departed Bradford City at the conclusion of his short-term deal following his switch from Blackpool in January.

The Bantams opted against handing Evans fresh terms to remain at Valley Parade and is now on the hunt for a ninth career club.

Meanwhile, forgotten Fratton loanee Green has also joined the camp, having returned to England following a stint in Portugal.

The winger spent the second half of the season with Portuguese top-flight side Avs Futebol, where he failed to score or assist in his five outings and was subsequently released.

Since his spell on loan at the start of the 2018-19 campaign at PO4, the 28-year-old has since appeared for Aston Villa, Preston North End, Charlton Athletic, Sheffield Wednesday, Rotherham United, Slovakian outfit Slovan Bratislava and Greek side Panserraikos.

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