Shaka Hislop, Arjan De Zeeuw, Dejan Stefanovic, Teddy Sheringham, Yakubu and Steve Stone can all take their share of the plaudits.

But there was another vital component who added top-flight experience and quality to the ranks.

Harry Redknapp knew he needed a touch of class back in his midfield to make the successful jump from division one to the Premier League and was not perturbed by the player's history of knee trouble.

And when he turned to former Liverpool wide man Patrik Berger as part of his Fratton revolution, most realised that Pompey were not there to be cannon fodder to the big boys – especially when he scored a classy goal in the curtain-raising 2-1 win over Aston Villa.

But as his latest acquisition, Milan Baros, settles into his new surroundings after his loan move from Lyon, Redknapp perhaps owes another debt of gratitude to his gifted former player.

Baros sought advice from his Czech mate before agreeing to end his 12-month exile in France and return to the Premier League.

And it seems that although it was hardly persuasion that was required, Berger's glowing reference rubber-stamped the move.

Baros explained: 'I spoke with Patrik Berger before I agreed to join Portsmouth.

'He was not the biggest influence on my decision, but I spoke with him about the club and the people here.

'He told me Harry Redknapp is a good manager and it's always good to know there are good people at the club before you join.

'But he told me he was so happy at Portsmouth.'

While it's unlikely that Berger, who also spent a short loan spell at Stoke City, has steered the 26-year-old's career, the two players both now share stints at the same three English clubs in Liverpool, Aston Villa and Pompey.

Berger was allowed to join Villa in June 2005 on a free transfer by former Pompey boss Alain Perrin. And although his release raised more than a few eyebrows, it was not the only questionable decision at the time.

Yakubu, Sheringham, Stone and De Zeeuw also followed him through the exit door, and the crop of replacements left Pompey entrenched in a relegation battle.

Baros, however, is joining a club back on the rise again – and is targeting European qualification for his new club.

He said: 'It's always important to play for something and it's not difficult to motivate yourself when you are trying to win every game to get into Europe.

'The dream for all of the players is to play in Europe.

'It will be hard, but I think we can do it.

'We have a strong team. Portsmouth have shown that already.

'I have watched a few games over the past few months so hopefully we can do something.

'I spent five years in England, so I played against some of our players before.

'There are some new players that I don't know, but I know them from watching on television.'