In the days of the Premier League, there were a number of quality free transfer signings in Sol Campbell, Hermann Hreidarsson, Sylvain Distin and Kanu.
Before then were Robert Prosinecki, Paul Merson, Shaka Hislop and Arjan de Zeeuw, among many others.
But how about the outstanding freebies snapped up by the Blues since departing the Premier League in May 2010?
Well, here are our 15 best Pompey free transfer recruits since then, in no particular order...
9. Gareth Evans - 218 games, 38 goals
Arrived at Pompey on trial in the summer of 2015 and stayed for more than five years, scoring in six successive seasons. A hugely popular figure at Fratton Park, cemented by his impromptu song at the Southsea Common about the Blues neighbours, Evans was a pivotal member of sides which won the League Two title and Checkatrade Trophy. Under Kenny Jackett, the attacking midfielder operated as Blues captain and vice-captain, while was always a regular source of goals, including from the penalty spot. Evans departed for Bradford in September 2020, having reluctantly accepted he was not part of Jackett’s plans moving forward. | Bluepitch Media / Joe Pepler
10. Marlon Pack - 78 games, eight goals
The Buckland lad left Pompey on a free and then, 11 years later, returned on a free following his departure from Cardiff. Overlooked by Danny Cowley as skipper upon his return, it wasn’t until John Mousinho’s arrival as head coach in January 2023 that Pack was handed the armband in a transformative move. Subsequently the central midfielder has been the dressing room leader - on and off the pitch - and a pivotal presence, culminating in securing the League One title in April. Pack was also crowned The News/Sports Mail’s Player of the Season for 2023-24, one of a number of accolades piled onto the 33-year-old, who was also named in the EFL’s League One Team of the Year. | Jason Brown/ProSportsImages
11. Connor Ogilvie - 117 games, eight goals
Danny Cowley described it as a ‘no-brainer’ when he snapped up Ogilvie on a free transfer from Gillingham, having rejected a new Priestfield deal. Over the next three seasons, he established himself as first-choice left-back under Cowley and then John Mousinho, with performances earning him a new two-year contract on Saturday. Solid, reliable, dependable, the model pro and versatile, tellingly Ogilvie has been one of two players offered new deals since winning the League One title. Injury aside, the 28-year-old has been the backbone of the Blues’ defence for the last three years and now, with a fresh deal signed, will challenge to feature in the Championship. | Jason Brown/ProSportsImages
12. Joe Rafferty - 68 games, 0 goals
The right-back’s place in Fratton folklore will always be assured following his key role in Pompey’s League One title win. Rafferty was a regular in John Mousinho’s side and a steady influence, in addition to being a key voice in the dressing room and one of the four-man leadership group. One of the Blues’ most consistent performers who relished a tackle and weighed in with a number of assists from full-back, he revelled dropping down from the Championship in July 2022 after being handed a free transfer by Preston. Has now joined Rotherham along with Sean Raggett after handed a free transfer days after the 2023-24 campaign ended. | National World