Some had illustrious careers, others were sneaked in under pseudonyms and had varying levels of success. Here’s the 20 players who came to Pompey in trial.
5. Geovanni
Former Benfica and Barcelona man scored at Yeovil but signed for Manchester City in 2007. | JPIMedia Photo: Daniel Hambury
6. Gareth Evans
The mysterious 'Wayne Evans' appeared at Hawks in 2015 and has gone on to become a huge favourite | JPIMedia Photo: Graham Hunt
7. Denilson
Pompey handed Brazilian winger Denilson a trial in 2006. However the one-time world's most expensive player, when he signed for Real Betis for £21.5m, couldn't agree a deal with the club | JPIMedia Photo: RICARDO MAZALAN
8. Amdy Faye
The other story Harry Redknapp's bulldog Rosie is renowned for. 'Andy Henry' came on trial in 2003 and was 'kidnapped' by Redknapp until he signed a deal. | JPIMedia Photo: Tony Marshall