As John Mousinho’s men continue their preparations for the 2023-24 League One campaign, they take on the Gibraltarian side Europa FC in Spain.
There will be plenty of new faces in action as the head coach assesses his options ahead of the upcoming season.
Twelve-months-ago, Pompey began their pre-season fixtures with a trip to Westleigh Park, where they faced Havant and Waterlooville.
Danny Cowley’s men edged the National League South side 3-0 getting their preparations off to the best possible start.
But what happened to the side which started that friendly against the Hawks?
We’ve taken a look at the first-half outfit Cowley named to see where they are now.
Here’s what we found.
5. CB - Clark Robertson
Starting alongside Raggett at the heart of the defence, the Scot was looking to bounce back after a difficult injury-hit maiden season at Pompey. Despite being a regular starter in Pompey’s pre-season friendlies, a foot injury picked up in their fixture against Coventry ruled the defender out in the opening weeks of the campaign. A hip issue later in the term would see Robertson miss three months of action between December and March. He made just seven outings under Mousinho before he was released at the season’s conclusion. In a shock move, the centre-back made the switch to Israel - joining top-flight side FC Ashdod. Photo: Jason Brown
6. LB - Connor Ogilvie
The left-back was a consistent performer for the Blues last term both defensively and in attack. He surprisingly scored five goals in 43 league appearances for the Blues and was the first-choice option ahead of Denver Hume. Under Mousinho, Ogilvie started 22 of the head coach’s 23 games in charge and cemented his place in the side. Although he’ll be looking to continue his impressive run of games, the Blues signed promising 22-year-old Jack Sparkes from Exeter, who will bring tough competition to the 27-year-old. Photo: Jason Brown
7. CM - Louis Thompson
After an impressive end to the 2021-22 campaign, Thompson was looking to continue his outstanding form. And that is exactly what he did in pre-season and into the opening weeks of the season. He proved a formidable force in the centre of midfield in the early fixtures of the campaign before sustaining a broken leg in Pompey’s 3-1 win over Bristol Rovers in August. After returning in January, game time was limited under Mousinho and was later released at the end of the term. But it didn’t take long to find a new home, with the 28-year-old linking up with brother Nathan at Stevenage. Photo: Jason Brown
8. CM - Ryan Tunnicliffe
Although the midfielder started the pre-season opener, his luck changed as the campaign got under way and was bombed out of the squad by Cowley. After making a one-minute substitute appearance against Sheffield Wednesday on the opening day, his next appearance would come in October as injuries began to hit the Blues’ midfield. He made 20 appearances under new boss Mousinho, however, but was later released at the end of the campaign - bringing an end to his two-year stay at PO4. He is yet to find a new home after his time at Pompey came to an end, but has since been linked with Charlton. Photo: Jason Brown