Many of those whose careers brought them to Fratton Park have developed a life-long affection for the Blues and life on the south coast.
So here, in the words of 12 people, is why Pompey holds so much affection for those who have spent time on the south coast...
9. Brett Pitman
I loved my time at Fratton Park, I thrived playing in front of those Pompey fans, loved it, it was brilliant. For me, the ideal would have been ending my career there. I scored 42 goals in 99 appearances, only to get released on a free transfer. With a record like that, I should have departed on my terms, rather than how I did leave. (Brett Pitman, Played Up Pompey Four, 2024) Photo: Joe Pepler
10. Steve Foster
I loved it at Pompey, a local boy playing for his local team. It meant everything playing for my club, the club I supported, the club I cheered on from the Fratton End with my Uncle Eric. I’m still a mush too - once a mush, always a mush. (Steve Foster, Played Up Pompey Four, 2024) Photo: None
11. Darryl Powell
I loved my time at Pompey, it was at the start of my career, it was my home-town club. As a scholar, I’d walk to Fratton Park from Buckland, meeting Lee Smith in Landport on the way. Sometimes we picked up Chrissy Male from Clive Road, before walking over Fratton Bridge and around the back for training. I always enjoy coming back, revisiting memories and reminiscing about my childhood and friends growing up. My mum is still there, living in the same Buckland house. Pompey remains a massive part of my life and contributed to an amazing journey and wonderful memories. I always say I had two football clubs - Pompey where I grew up and Derby where I became a man. They were the only two I played for, the others were little pit stops along the way. (Darryl Powell, Played Up Pompey Four, 2024) Photo: Matthew Ashton
12. Milan Mandaric
I will never forget that time at Portsmouth, the greatest time in my life. The people loved me, it’s unbelievable. I have been asked many times by the media in the world: What is your favourite club? I don't have to think about it at all, there is only one - that’s Portsmouth. When they ask why, I tell them because I fell in love with their affection for their team. It’s unbelievable how much they care for their team. I was helping their club out for them to be happier. I learnt that anyone like me who comes in and does the right job, while talking to them all the time, gets shown tremendous respect and love. I will never forget that. (Milan Mandaric, The News, September 2024) Photo: Jason Brown