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.
9. Sean Goss
The former Manchester United Academy midfielder was released by Shrewsbury at the end of last season. He joined up with Pompey and made two appearances against Bristol City and Luton. After his release the 25-year-old signed for Motherwell where he has made two appearances this season. Photo: Gareth Copley
10. Brandon Mason
The left back arrived on trial from Coventry but made only one appearance in pre-season. The 23-year-old picked up a hamstring tear while on trial at the club but seemed likely to earn a contract if he hadn’t picked up the injury. Mason is back at Coventry but is still recovering from his injury. Photo: Morgan Harlow
11. Renedi Masampu
The former Chelsea academy left-back has been without a team after leaving Non league side Dulwich Hamlet last November. The 21-year-old also spent the first part of the summer at Sheffield Wednesday but joined Pompey on trial where he made two appearances. The defender failed to win a deal and has yet to sign for a team this season. Picture: Clive Howes - Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images Photo: Clive Howes - Chelsea FC
12. Elijah Dixon-Bonner
The 20-year-old came through the ranks at the Liverpool Academy. The midfielder featured three times while on trial at Pompey but failed to impress Danny Cowley and has since rejoined Liverpool’s u-21s. Photo: Charlotte Tattersall