Some were successful in earning Fratton Park deals – with Kieron Freeman, Jayden Reid, Gassan Ahadme and Louis Thompson all offered extended stays.
Yet many were shown the door as the Blues head coach decided against calling on their services further.
We’ll never know exactly how many were asked to attend the club’s Roko training base given Pompey’s wish not to name them all.
But here’s 14 who came and went after being deemed not good enough.
5. Madger Gomes
The central midfielder was released by Doncaster at the end of last season. The 24-year-old appeared twice for Pompey and travelled with the team to St George’s Park. Following the team's return, he was released but has signed a two-year deal at Crewe where he is yet to make an appearance for David Artell’s side. Photo: Catherine Ivill
6. Jay Mingi
The central midfielder came through the ranks at West Ham and Charlton, and the 20-year-old spent the whole summer with Pompey. He was a regular feature in Pompey’s pre-season games until injury put paid to his involvement. A deal to keep him at Fratton Park was apparently close, but, as reported in The News last week, the player is prepared to take legal action against Pompey claiming breach of contract.. Photo: Rogan Thomson
7. Layton Ndukwu
The attacking midfielder came through Leicester's academy but was released at the end of last season, where he soon joined up with Pompey. The 23-year-old made two appearances, which came against the Hawks and Bournemouth u-23s, before being axed. Yet 19 days later he was back at Fratton Park after being given a second chance by Cowley. He has since departed for a second time and remains without a club, Photo: Paul Collins
8. Akin Odimayo
Swindon’s player-of-the-season travelled with the squad to St George’s Park for the summer training camp. But the 21-year-old only appeared once for Pompey and failed to impress boss Danny Cowley. He has since rejoined Swindon and has made seven appearances for the League Two side this season. Photo: Pete Norton