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.
9. CM - Joe Morrell
The midfielder’s pre-season was heavily affected by a broken toe, which he picked up during a training camp with Wales a month prior. Despite playing in the friendly against the Hawks, he later required surgery and missed the opening weeks of the campaign before returning to action at the end of August. A trip to the World Cup later in November saw the 27-year-old return as a different man and was one of the consistent standout performers in a difficult period during the 2022-23 term. When he wasn’t suspended, he was a regular starter under Mousinho and is one of the Blues’ prized assets going into the summer. Pompey have received no interest in Morrell to date and will be looking to utilise his qualities in their promotion bid. Photo: Jason Brown
10. RW - Marcus Harness
Despite having a 12-month option in his Pompey deal triggered ahead of pre-season, his future remained uncertain as Cowley looked to cash in on the star-man to fund new deals. And with two-weeks before the campaign got under way, the winger made the switch to Ipswich for an undisclosed fee. He went on to score six goals and register three assists in 40 league games as the Tractor Boys claimed promotion to the Championship. Harness will be looking to prove his worth in the second tier next term at Portman Road. Photo: Jason Brown
11. LW - Ronan Curtis
The winger was on the scoresheet for the opener against Westleigh Park as the Blues put on a professional performance against the Hawks. Curtis was another who saw his game-time in League One come at a premium under Cowley, despite netting five goals in cup competitions. However, new boss Mousinho was keen to reignite the Irishman’s Fratton Park career and did before he picked up a season-ending ACL injury in February. Curtis rejected new terms with the Blues last month in a bid to earn an improved deal at PO4 when he returns from his injury lay-off later in the year. Photo: Jason Brown
12. ST - Christian Saydee
Cowley didn’t have a contracted striker in his ranks going into pre-season and turned to Saydee, who came in on trial from Bournemouth. He featured in both friendlies against the Hawks and Gosport before being let go ahead of the Blues’ trip to Spain the following week. The front man went on to join Shrewsbury later in the summer and scored seven league goals in 35 outings for Salop last term. On the opening day of the summer window, Saydee made the switch to Fratton Park 12 months after his trial period, with Mousinho signing the striker on a permanent deal. Photo: Jason Brown