Who they decide to replace Danny Cowley with will be no easy job in the current market.
It comes after the Blues confirmed the dismissal of the 44-year-old on Monday, with the club sat 12th in League One and on a dire run of one win in 14 league games.
Whoever the board at Fratton Park choose to take over the helm, a need to reignite Pompey’s promotion push will be the highest priority.
As they begin the search for a new boss, we’ve taken a look at 10 managers the Blues could eye who are currently without a job.
Here’s what we found.
5. Garry Monk
Monk has never dropped below the Championship during his managerial career, having previously taken charge at Swansea, Leeds, Sheffield Wednesday, Birmingham and Middlesbrough. The former centre-back has managed in the Premier League and would be an audacious move should Pompey eye a swoop. Photo: George Wood
6. Liam Manning
The 37-year-old enjoyed success in his first season at MK Dons last term, surprisingly guiding them to the play-off semi-finals. However, after a poor start following a number of departures in the summer, Manning was sacked in December with the Dons in the relegation zone in League One. Photo: Alex Burstow
7. Steve Morison
Morison’s only first-team job came during an 11-month stay with Cardiff. After impressing as caretaker boss, he was appointed on a full-time basis in October 2021 but was later sacked last September with the Bluebirds sat 18th in the Championship. Photo: Catherine Ivill
8. Ben Garner
The 42-year-old was surprisingly sacked by Charlton at the start of December after a slow start in League One, despite being appointed six-months prior. Garner guided Swindon to the League Two play-offs last term but fell short in the semi-finals. Photo: Pete Norton