Rumours circulated over the lack of playing time for some (usually with good reason!) while others simply found their Fratton stays hindered by injuries.
So we’ve delved into the Blues’ past to remember those we wanted to see in action – but never quite got the opportunity to watch in all their glory.
13. Pele
Yes, Pele was a Pompey player - but Vitor Hugo Gomes Passos never made a first-team appearance Photo: Robin Jones/Digital South
14. Sébastien Schemmel
Came in from West Ham in 2003, where he was popular, and caught the eye but was pretty outspoken and fell out with Harry Redknapp. Photo: FRANCK FIFE
15. Jordy Hiwula
Huge clamour to see the striker and Kenny Jackett took a battering for not using him. Three goals from 13 appearances and hardly torn it up since leaving Fratton. Photo: Joe Pepler
16. Diomansy Kamara
The Pompey player that never was. Kamara was touted as a £2.5m signing from Italian side Modena, but it turned out it was actually a loan and the striker went on to West Brom after 15 league starts. Photo: Ben Radford