However, remarkably, with two matches to spare, John Mousinho’s men stayed up following an Easter Monday victory over Watford at Fratton Park.
Ultimately, the Blues finished 16th in the Championship – five points above the relegation zone – for a fine finish back at this level after a 12-year absence.
And here are Neil Allen’s ratings for each Pompey player for the 2024-25 season...
9. Connor Ogilvie - 9
(46 games, 5 goals) Conceded a penalty just 10 minutes into his Championship debut at Leeds and it continued to be a real struggle at first for the left-back, particularly against a succession of tough opponents. Yet Ogilvie steadily grew into the level to emerge as one of Pompey’s most outstanding - and highly consistent - performers, missing just one league game all season. Came second in The News/Sports Mail Player of the Season. Photo: Jason Brown
10. Cohen Bramall - 7
(12 games, 0 goals) Recruited to provide left-back cover to Connor Ogilvie and, for a spell, they both played in the same defence together. Demonstrated his versatility during outings on the left wing as well as at full-back and impressed with pace and directness. Perhaps a better performer than some had anticipated, although featured just once more after his costly mistake at Coventry. Photo: Jason Brown
11. Regan Poole - 8
(27 games, 1 goal) Produced a stunning display at Burnley in September upon his return from 11 months out with an ACL injury, yet it was a false positive. Later hamstring and calf issues sidelined him for another two-and-a-half months, yet Poole returned to feature regularly in the relegation run-in and looked his old self. Another who has grown into this level, he undoubtedly is Championship calibre and his goal celebration at Norwich was a special moment. Photo: Jason Brown
12. Rob Atkinson - 9
(15 games, 2 goals) There were plenty of concerns among supporters over recruiting a player who hadn’t featured for two years - and there were also injury issues during his time at Fratton Park. Nonetheless, when Atkinson was on the pitch he proved to be a class act. Derby particularly stands out with two goals - and an own goal - including a stoppage-time equaliser despite being ill and unable to move on his injury comeback. An impressive professional, powerful defender, simply a class act. . Photo: Jason Brown