It mean’s 13 players will have now departed the club since their final day of the season draw against Wycombe less than a week ago, with this term’s five loanees now back with their respective parent clubs.
Left behind are 17 contracted players – including Toby Steward, Haji Mnoga and Liam Vincent – who form the basis of Pompey’s squad ahead of another summer of recruitment.
That represents good foundations on which to build and shows the Blues are in a better position today than they have been in previous years retained lists have been released.
It could still be enhanced, too, with Pompey still in talks with Jay Mingi and Ronan Curtis about their futures. However, that figure could easily go down as well, with the Blues open to offers for both Denver Hume and Reeco Hackett. There’s speculation, too, that Colby Bishop couid attract interest.
It will be interesting to see how the first-team squad takes shape once the transfer window reopens on June 10 and what twists and turns lie ahead.
In the meantime, though, we’ve taken a look at what Pompey’s strongest XI would be now based on those players who remain at Fratton Park and whether that provides an insight into what to expect on the recruitment front going forward.
5. Centre-back 2 - Ryley Towler
The January signing has made an instant impact at Fratton Park - bar one or two defensive errors. Originally signed as 'one for the future', the former Bristol City youngster has already proved he's first-team ready. John Mousinho has already shown, though, that he's not afraid to drop the Fratton favourite. And with potentially two new centre-backs earmarked for the summer, competition for places will hopefully improve. Photo: Jason Brown
6. Left-back - Connor Ogilvie
Pompey's 'Mr Dependable' has just been rewarded a new Fratton Park contract - the only senior member of those out of contract to do so. Has made the left-back spot his own, and with John Mousinho keen to improve Ogilvie's potential going forward - as displayed against Wycombe on the final day of the season - he should hopefully only get better. Greater competition at left-back is needed, though. Denver Hume will more than likely move on this summer and that means another left-back will be on the recruitment agenda. Youngster Liam Vincent might like to challenge that theory, however. Photo: Jason Brown
7. Midfield 1 - Joe Morrell
The midfielder showed some of his best form for Pompey after his World Cup exploits with Wales. However, two red cards already under John Mousinho left Pompey weakened in midfield at crucial times and that needs to be avoided going forward. If Pompey can keep Morrell over the summer - there's expected to be interest of some sort - then the midfield has solid foundations to build upon. At least two more midfield additions will be needed, though, following the departures of Louis Thompson and Ryan Tunnicliffe, Meanwhile, Jay Mingi will also likely leave, despite the offer of a new contract being on the table. Photo: Jason Brown
8. Midfield 2 - Marlon Pack
The midfielder has been a steady influence in Pompey's engine room and finished the League One season as the Blues' joint-highest goalscorer with five goals. His midfield partnership with Joe Morrell and Tom Lowery has a lot of potential, especially at League One level. However, expect competition for places to be ramped up over the summer. Photo: Jason Brown