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...
17. Hayden Matthews - 7.5
(6 games, 0 goals) A reported £1.5m signing in the January transfer window, Pompey had no hesitation in throwing the Australian international straight into the Championship, with a start against Millwall in January. Unfortunately, the centre-half curse struck again when he sustained ankle ligament damage while making a block against QPR and didn’t play again. Nonetheless, the towering Matthews looks at this early stage to be a real find, comfortable on the ball and with a steely grit about his play. Photo: Jason Brown
18. Andre Dozzell - 8
(41 games, 2 goals) One of the surprise success stories of Pompey’s season after walking out of training with Sheffield United to sign on a free transfer on the eve of the campaign. For many, it was an underwhelming recruit at the time, yet Dozzell has gone on to flourish with regular first-team football and emphatically win over the fans. The central midfielder weighed in with a crucial goal at Oxford United and, with Pompey staying up, it triggered a 12-month extension to his deal. Photo: Jason Brown
19. Marlon Pack - 7.5
(41 games, 0 goals) Having started the season in his customary midfield role, Pack was dropped after October’s defeat at Cardiff - only to reappear at centre-half for the majority of the campaign. With Pompey’s defensive injuries biting deep, Mousinho turned to his skipper, who subsequently adapted well, particularly at Fratton Park. There have, inevitably, been teething issues, yet he rolled up his sleeves and did the best he could for the club, without complaint. Regardless, he remains an outstanding leader on and off the pitch. Photo: Jason Brown
20. Freddie Potts - 8.5
(38 games, 1 goal) It’s no surprise that West Ham secured Potts to a new long-term deal midway through an impressive season-long loan at Fratton Park. It has been an outstanding maiden campaign in the Championship for the classy central midfielder, who obviously has a huge future in the game. Always has time on the ball, lovely to watch in full flow, and that Norwich performance was top quality. We will watch his progress with interest. Photo: Jason Brown