Gareth Evans’ goal at Barnsley… Craig MacGillivray’s save at Rochdale – The News’ Portsmouth end-of-season awards

And with the dust now settled after the Blues missed out on League One promotion, we’ve come up with our own list of accolades for Kenny Jacket’s troops for the 2018-19 campaign...

Player of the season

Matt Clarke scooped all but one of the supporters’ clubs’ accolades – including The News/ Sports Mail Player of the Season. 

And few could argue with the outcome. 

Pompey's prized asset had another magnificent season as they finished in the play-offs.

He made 60 appearances in total and featured in every game of the league campaign.

Only a clash of heads with Nathan Thompson in the 5-1 romp over Bradford denied Clarke of being involved in every minute in the third tier.

Robust in the challenge, strong in the air and as exciting as any of his team-mates with the ball at his feet, he was a joy to watch.

However, with Pompey missing out on promotion, the chances of retaining the 22-year-old this summer is highly unlikely. 

Signing of the season

Jackett’s summer recruitment last summer proved shrewd indeed.

Ronan Curtis arrived for £100,000 from Derry City, while Tom Naylor and Lee Brown joined on free transfers from Burton and Bristol Rovers respectively.

The trio were regular starters, along with Craig MacGillivray.

Despite having fewer than 30 Football League appearances when moving to Fratton Park from Shrewsbury Town, the keeper immediately dislodged Luke McGee to become the Blues’ No1.

And the affable 26-year-old swiftly endeared himself to the Fratton faithful.

Astute when coming for crosses, accurate with his kicking and a superb shot-stopper – there aren’t many more qualities in a keeper you can ask for.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Most improved player of the season

It’s often the award most people don’t want to win.

There’s connotations that a poor player has got better slowly and steadily to become a safe pair of hands.

That can't be said for Ben Close, although he does take this award.

The Southsea midfielder was always regarded as calm, composed passer of the ball who offered balance in the engine room.

But after spending the first half of the campaign behind Ben Thompson in the pecking order, Close took up the mantle impeccably when he left.

The academy graduate offered a potent threat in the final third, an area he did perhaps need to address despite making 45 appearances during 2017-18.