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...
29. Thomas Waddingham - 6
(5 games, 1 goal) Earmarked as one for the future, the Australian set the bar considerably higher by scoring on his debut at West Brom in January. However, he suffered several niggling injuries to blunt his involvement, including collecting a hamstring after his encouraging full debut at Coventry in April. Photo: Jason Brown
30. Christian Saydee - 7
(31 games, 3 goals) Remains something of a bit-part player for Pompey, but it’s testament to Mousinho’s belief in the powerful attacker that he made almost every first-team squad this season, apart from a brief groin injury. A brilliant display at Hull provided a timely reminder of his talents, including a first goal since August 2024 when he netted twice at Middlesbrough. Fans love him and he offers a particular skillset nobody else in the squad can. Photo: Jason Brown
31. Callum Lang - 8.5
(33 games, 10 goals) Unquestionably Pompey’s star man in the first half of the season, almost single-handedly carrying the attack in the absence of Colby Bishop and comfortably an early player of the season frontrunner. Cruelly, a hamstring injury at Oxford virtually ended his campaign, with replacement Adil Aouchiche unable to match Lang’s high standards. Memorably scored four times against Coventry. Photo: Jason Brown
32. Kusini Yengi - 3
(14 games, 0 goals) Hugely disappointing, especially considering how important the Australian was to the League One title win. A succession of injuries haven’t helped, but even in his sporadic appearances he hasn’t looked anywhere near Championship standard. Ominously wasn’t even included on the bench for the last two games, with loanees preferred ahead of him. Dreadful season. Photo: Jason Brown