Then there’s those who were afforded the privilege of playing at PO4 - and giving us memories to forever cherish in the process.
We’ve pulled together the words of those who’ve verbalised what a special football club this remains, in some memorable quotes summing up the fabric of Pompey.
9. Sylvain Distin
The atmosphere was always amazing at Fratton Park, but the fact we were playing a club like AC Milan sent the fans crazy, with the Milan fans also very good. The whole place was really friendly and really enjoyable. I can recall it wasn’t possible to hear anything between the players when speaking on the pitch, Fratton Park is a small stadium and the supporters are so close so when they are loud, it really is loud. Photo: Daniel Hambury
10. Robert Prosinecki
In my year in Portsmouth, I felt loved by the fans, I believe I played really well for them, and it’s great to be back. ‘Playing for the club was amazing, very special, I can still see it now, they live and breathe for their football club. The big clubs have huge numbers of fans - this is smaller, but also feels special. Pompey’s fans are equally as loud. Whether they are winning or losing, you can tell they are loyal to the club. | National World
11. Darren Anderton
Even though I took loads of stick at Southampton, it’s not an intimidating place to play, but when Pompey get going it’s worth a goal. Part of being a professional is handling performing in front of crowds and how you deal with it. Lots of top players who trained out of this world couldn’t translate it to the pressure of playing in big games. Elland Road could be hostile, they made it difficult. Fratton Park was the same, they were able to batter the opposition - and I loved witnessing that. | Getty Images
12. Chris Wilder
This (Pompey) is a proper football club. I have to say, first and foremost, I think they are a class act here. Players get clapped off, it was a competitive game and our players get clapped off and everybody in the ground we have come across has shook our hand and congratulated us, and that is spot on. So a big well done to this football club.' Photo: Tony Johnson