Pompey played out their final warm-up game of pre-season – a 1-0 defeat to Championship Bristol City at Fratton.
And with just six days to go until the Blues’ season-opener against Bristol Rovers on Saturday, head coach John Mousinho has less than a week of training to ensure his new-look side is match ready for the big kick-off.
Pompey have done well to add and integrate 12 new signings into their ranks over the summer. But now extra emphasis will be placed on moulding them into a team for the battles that lie ahead.
That’s never easy, especially when coupled with departures as well, with seven first-teamers allowed to leave, five loanees heading back to their former clubs and the likes of the injured Ronan Curtis running down his contract despite still training with the club.
But what’s happened to those now former senior players following the expiry of their contracts? Have they found new clubs or are they still on the lookout? Well, only two have found future employment to date.
Here’s the latest on those now forgotten Pompey heroes with less than a week to go to another new season.
5. Jay Mingi
Pompey record: 29 appearances, 1 goal, 1 assist. Age: 22. Current status: The young midfielder turned down a new Pompey contract amid talk that West Brom, Birmingham and Charlton were among the clubs interested in him in January. With such an array of options, it just appeared a matter of time before the former Addicks youngster would be snapped up this summer on a free transfer. Yet, reported interest has dried up, leaving Mingi to train independently as his search for a new club continues. , Photo: Jason Brown
6. Clark Robertson
Pompey record: 57 appearances, 3 goals, 3 assists. Age: 29. Current status: The Scot was expected to return north to be closer to his family but instead opted for a move abroad by joining Israeli side Ashdod last month. Photo: Jason Brown
7. Jayden Reid
Pompey record: 0 appearances, 0 goals, 0 assists. Age: 22. Current status: The unlucky winger found himself released by Pompey after picking up two ACL injuries in the two previous pre-seasons. As of yet, there's been no reported interest in the former Birmingham man. Photo: Rogan
8. Kieron Freeman
Pompey record: 37 appearances, 0 goals, 1 assist (over two spells). Age: 31. Current status: Had been on trial at Mansfield - a club previously linked with the former Sheffield United man. However, no move has materialised. The same applies with a recent run-out for Oxford United during pre-season, with the U's seemingly declining the chance to sign the right-sided defender/wing-back. Photo: Paul Thompson