The role of Pompey number nine has been carried out in legendary fashion by list of names who rightly have their names etched in the Blues hall of fame.
But, for others, the weight of the shirt has proved too heavy with the pressure of leading the line at Fratton too much.
Whether it’s been poor fortune, the timing not being right or just downright not being up to the task, there has been some striking horror signings down the years.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the worst front men to represent the club, so step into a Pompey striker circus of horrors if you dare…
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13. Scott McGarvey
The story goes Pompey ended up with Scott McGarvey instead of Mark Hughes Photo: The News
14. Azar Karadas
Tasked with getting Premier League goals - but did a better job as a defender. Photo: Steve Reid
15. Tom Craddock
Was supposed to fire Pompey out of League Two but was blighted with knee problems. Photo: Colin Farmery
16. Rory Allen
Pompey's first £1m signing proved to be injury prone and disappeared from the club to watch the Ashes in Australia. Photo: The News