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.
9. Attacking midfielder - Callum Lang
There's plenty of contenders to fill this role at present, despite the summer departures of Myles Peart-Harris and Tino Anjorin.Lang gets the nod here, but it could easily be Christian Saydee, who served Pompey well last term. You suspect, though, this is another key area the Blues will want additional strength for their forthcoming Championship return. | Jason Brown/ProSportsImages
10. Left-wing: Josh Murphy
Undoubtedly, Pompey's most impressive piece of business this summer to date. Blues fans will be hoping the former £11m man will hit the ground running and display the impressive second-half-of-the-season form he displayed to get Oxford United back up into the Championship this season. | Portsmouth FC
11. Centre-forward: Colby Bishop
With 45 goals in 100 Pompey appearances, Bishop remains the Blues' most important source of goals. Will be nervously looking over his shoulder, though, as Kusini Yengi's stature continues to rise - both here and on the international stage. | National World
12. Substitute 1: Jordan Archer
The former QPR and Millwall man will prove a welcome addition to the squad and will be keen to see how far he can push Will Norris for the No1 spot. | Portsmouth FC