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…
A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron
Get 30 per cent off our sport subscription, which gives readers unlimited access to all our Pompey and grassroots coverage for just 9p a day, by using the promo code JanSports30. The deal expires at midnight on January 31.
17. Collins Mbesuma
The Hurricane didn't even muster a light breeze, as he proved a weighty flop after being brought in as the 'new Yakubu' Photo: MATT SCOTT-JOYNT (053814-92)
18. Ricardo Fuller
A handful for defences but not the end product with just two goals in 39 outings Photo: Mick Young
19. John Akinde
Prolific elsewhere but was just too young and raw when he failed to score in 11 appearances after arriving at troubled Pompey at the start of 2013. Photo: Barry Zee
20. Ian Baird
A record signing flop who managed just one goal when Pompey went into the top flight in 1987 Photo: A