With 97 points and just five defeats, it has been a remarkable season for John Mousinho’s men, whose heroics have etched them into Blues folklore.
Here’s our overall ratings and assessment of the 31 first-team players involved in Pompey’s memorable 2023-24 campaign...
5. Zak Swanson - 7
(19 games, one goal)Another injury-hampered campaign for the right-back, largely through a recurrence of the groin problem which kept him out of the second half of 2022-23. Despite such frustrations, Swanson is clearly a talent, keen to attack, mobile and very comfortable on the ball. However, nowhere near as defensively sound as Rafferty, reflected by his rival chosen for big games against Derby and Bolton. His display at Derby in September remains a high, particularly at a time when his mother tragically passed away through cancer. Photo: Picture: Jason Brown/ProSportsImages
6. Connor Ogilvie - 8.5
(25 games, 2 goals)Unusually for him, suffered an injury-affected season, nonetheless was first choice at left-back when available. A groin injury at Barnsley was followed by damaged ankle ligaments 10 minutes into his comeback at Cambridge United, allowing Jack Sparkes a sustained run in the side. However, his return to the squad at Fleetwood in mid-January coincided with the team's timely upturn in form following an awful post-Christmas period. Consistent, defensively outstanding and a whole-hearted player, the quiet man of the changing room had a big say in promotion to the Championship. Photo: Jason Brown
7. Jack Sparkes - 7.5
(43 games, 0 goals)More than just a deputy to Connor Ogilvie, the former Exeter man stepped up superbly and, for a period of the season, was crucial to Pompey's attacking play and set-pieces. With six league assists, he provided consistent quality down the left-hand side through his natural attacking game and is perhaps one of the unsung heroes from this side. Form noticeably dipped during the post-Christmas lull, with fit-again Ogilvie then coming into the side. Defensively, Sparkes improved considerably as the season progressed, epitomised by a man-of-the-match display at Peterborough in March. So close to getting an 8/10. Photo: Jason Brown
8. Tom Mclntyre - 6
(1 game, 0 goals)The January signing from Reading broke his left ankle in the 54th minute of his debut against Northampton - also being sent off in the incident with Mitch Pinnock. While the red card was rescinded upon appeal, the left-footed centre-half was ruled out for the remainder of the season. That opened the door once again for Sean Raggett, with Conor Shaughnessy moving back to the left side. Photo: Jason Brown