That does, of course, exclude the four loan signings, Matt Macey, Owen Dale, Joe Pigott and Dane Scarlett, whose deals are set to expire at the conclusion of the campaign.
After John Mouinho’s arrival at Fratton Park last week, he insisted he was prepared to hand every member of his new squad a clean slate as he eyed immediate gains to the Blues’ campaign.
However, there’ll still be a number of players who will be looking to impress in the second half of the season, with their long-term futures unclear.
We’ve taken a look at the situation of every out-of-contract member in Mousinho’s side to understand their position as they enter the final months of their contracts.
5. Ronan Curtis
Mousinho has tasked himself with reigniting Curtis’ Pompey career as he looks to rediscover his Fratton form. Should the head coach unlock the Irishman’s potential, it could tip the Blues to hand the winger fresh terms. The 26-year-old has already impressed in his first two games under his new boss and will be looking to improve on his six goals this term. The alternative if for Curtis to move on and earn a lucrative signing-on fee in the process as a free agent. Photo: Craig Galloway
6. Clark Robertson
The skipper’s future has been questioned in recent weeks by the Fratton faithful after he handed Pompey another injury blow. His 18 months at PO4 has been troubled by issues which has affected his availability. With Ryley Towler impressing at left centre-back in the early stages of his Blues career, it remains to be seen whether the defender will be able to do enough to stake a claim for a new deal. Noise of Derby interest surfaced last month. Photo: Jason Brown
7. Connor Ogilvie
The ever-present left-back has been a regular since his arrival from Gillingham 18-months ago. His consistent performances have seen him regularly praised and has added plenty of versatility in to the back line. While Cowley revealed he was keen to hand the defender a new deal at the end of the season, Oglivie appears to be Mouisnho’s man on the left flank and remains good cover at centre-back as well. Not an easy player to replace. Photo: Jason Brown
8. Kieron Freeman
The right-back looked set for a departure in January after being bombed out of the squad by former head coach Cowley. Although Joe Rafferty remains sidelined, it will be difficult for the right-back to displace the in-form Zak Swanson, who continues to impress at right-back. With Mousinho handing every member of his squad a clean slate, we could see Freeman reintroduced in to the fold once again. Mansfield have constantly been mentioned but signed Pompey old boy Callum Johnson at right-back. Photo: Paul Thompson