It might only have been for some fitness tests ahead of Monday’s return for pre-season training proper, but it was probably the first time John Mousinho had been with his entire first-team group since the end of April.
He’ll have been keen to see how his League One title-winners looked on their return to duty as preparations begin in earnest for the forthcoming Championship return. The head coach will also have been eager to integrate his new signings into the group as smoothly as possible, with three new arrivals coming through the door this week alone - Josh Murphy, Reuben Swann and Jordan Archer.
With four signings in total so far this summer - including Jordan Williams - there’s more to be down on that front before the season-opener against Leeds United on August 10. That tough test is still six weeks away, but what is the Blues’ strongest XI and bench at this current moment in time, without Joe Morrell and Zak Swanson, too, as their contracts prepare to expire on Monday?
This is what we came up with. Let us know if you agree or disagree.
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5. Left-back - Connor Ogilvie
Pompey's Mr Reliable signed a new two-year deal with the Blues this summer, with head coach John Mousinho confident the former Gillingham man can successfully make the step-up to the Championship. | Portsmouth FC
6. Central midfield - 1: Marlon Pack
Pompey's League One title-winning skipper has signed on for another two years, which is great news as Pompey prepare to knuckle down for the task ahead in the Championship. | Portsmouth FC
7. Central-midfield 2 - Tom Lowery
Injury restricted the diminutive midfielder to just nine appearances last season, but there's a belief at Fratton Park that the 26-year-old has the skillset to step up into the Champiomnship and excel. Despite this, and the arrival of Reuben Swann in midweek, you suspect this is a key area the Blues will want to strengthen further during the remainder of the transfer window. Photo: Jason Brown/ProSportsImages
8. Right-wing: Paddy Lane
Shifted from his more familiar role on the left to accommodate Pompey new-boy Josh Murphy, there'll be hope that the Fratton favourite can continue his impressive upward trajectory with the Blues in the Championship this season. | Picture: Jason Brown/ProSportsImages