As Danny Cowley was handed the full-time reins at Fratton Park, a number of his predecessor’s Kenny Jackett senior players sought pastures new.
This saw a mass overhaul of the playing squad, as 11 first-team regulars left for the Championship or League One rivals.
But how did those who departed the Blues in pre-season fare this term, as the curtain fell on the 2021-22 campaign?
Here’s what we found out as some proved the grass is sometimes greener - while others spectacularly didn’t...
But how did those who departed the Blues in pre-season fare this term, as the curtain fell on the 2021-22 campaign?
5. Jack Whatmough - Wigan
Whatmough became one of the division's best defenders last term by lifting the League One title with Wigan. The centre-back made 46 league starts under Leam Richardson and has his attention set on making a name for himself in the Championship. Picture: Lewis Storey/Getty Images
Photo: Lewis Storey
6. WIMBLEDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 04: Ryan Williams of Oxford United looks on during the Sky Bet League One match between AFC Wimbledon and Oxford United at Plough Lane on September 04, 2021 in Wimbledon, England. (Photo by James Chance/Getty Images)
Williams suffered play-off heartbreak similar to Pompey this season as the Us finished eighth in the league table. For the Australian, he has played a bit-part role under Karl Robinson by making 33 league appearances -- with 11 from the bench. In total, he scored two goals in all competitions. Picture: James Chance/Getty Images
Photo: James Chance
7. Tom Naylor - Wigan
Naylor has grown from strength to strength since his move to Wigan and won promotion to the Championship with the Latics. He made 43 league starts for the Latics as he proved to be a key cog in Leam Richardson's championship winning machine. Picture: George Wood/Getty Images
Photo: George Wood
8. Bryn Morris - Hartlepool (on loan from Burton)
Following his release from Pompey, Morris joined fellow League One side Burton. He made only one league start at the Brewers before dropping to League Two on loan with Hartlepool. He then made 11 appearances in blue and white as the Pools finished 17th. Picture: Pete Norton/Getty Images
Photo: Pete Norton