That means there’s enough water under the bridge for Championship managers and pundits to form an opinion of John Mousinho’s side this term, as they look primed to emerge from a testing opening.
So, as we pause for the international break, we reflect on what figures around the second tiler have been saying about the Blues, as Fratton outsiders offer a revealing insight on the campaign to date.
17. Carlton Palmer
'It's always difficult when you get promoted from one league to another. Portsmouth were outstanding last season in League One and got promoted to the Championship 'They've found it difficult this term to get the wins. They've drawn six games and won one, and sit on nine points. I don't believe Mousinho's job should be under any kind of threat. There's a long way to go in the season. They are a little bit adrift now. 'They're five points from safety at the moment, and they've got a lot of work to do, but I don't think the manager's job should be in any kind of question, given the job Mousinho has done at Portsmouth. 'You know what owners are like, they're desperate, they want to retain their status, they have no patience, they have no loyalty, so it's a difficult one. For me, I don't think he should be in any danger of losing his job, even if they get relegated, there should be some loyalty. 'He could have moved on from the club given what he did last season. He has shown loyalty and stayed at the football club, so I don't believe there should be any threat to his job. 'I know they've had seven defeats, but they've had six draws and if two of those draws are wins, it puts them on 15 points. It's just about patience and then turning the tide.' Photo: Marisa Cashill