Leading the 2023-24 table for all but one week since September, John Mousinho’s men were crowned champions with two games to spare during an emotional Fratton Park evening.
However, following memorable celebrations on Southsea Common in May, the Blues released 11 of their title heroes, whose deals were expiring.
Some were controversial decisions, some were expected – and here’s what has happened to them all since...
5. Joe Morrell
The last one of the title-winning squad to depart after negotiations over a new deal ended in July 2024. Pompey had also decided against taking up their 12-month option. Morrell hasn’t played for 14 months since forced off against Oxford United in January 2024 after a piece of cartilage broke off inside his left knee, requiring surgery. Initially expected to be absent for five months, a potential summer return was cancelled when he aggravated the injury after slipping in a gym while on holiday, ensuring another operation. The Wales international continues to carry out his rehabilitation at Pompey, where he is a regular at the training ground and was this week praised for the ‘big impact’ he continues to have in the dressing room. According to John Mousinho, Morrell is now running outside, working on change of direction and also taking in ball work. Photo: Jason Brown/ProSportsImages
6. Haji Mnoga
The Somerstown lad had never played under John Mousinho when released by Pompey in the summer, having been away from Fratton Park for numerous loan spells. The defender was subsequently snapped up by Salford in August 2024 on a 12-month deal, with their League Two season already underway. Since then, the 22-year-old has made 33 appearances, establishing himself as a regular in Karl Robinson’s starting XI, including lining up against Manchester City in the FA Cup in January. Mnoga was this week named in Tanzania’s squad for their World Cup qualifier against Morocco on March 25, thereby potentially adding to his 13 international caps. Photo: Jason Brown
7. Sean Raggett
The Pompey cult figure has suffered a torrid time with injury since joining Rotherham on a free transfer in May 2024. He has managed just 11 matches due to persistent knee problems, while hasn’t featured since a Vertu Trophy defeat to Bradford at the start of February. Raggett’s latest set-back is bone bruising to the knee, ruling him out of contention for Steve Evans’ side for the remainder of March. After starting the Millers’ opening two matches against Exeter and Crewe, he has suffered with knocks to both knees, setting the tone for a frustrating maiden season at the New York Stadium. His 11 appearances to date include one goal and five bookings, with Evans’ men placed a disappointing 14th in League One - 16 points adrift of the play-offs. Photo: Jason Brown
8. Josh Martin
Despite trialling for Italian club Como, who are managed by Cesc Fabregas, Martin struggled to find a club after his Pompey release. He eventually moved to Notts County in September 2024, yet his short-term contract wasn’t renewed in January following 12 appearances and one goal for the League Two club. The Lovedean-based attacker was snapped up by Newport County days later, where he has featured nine times to date, although just four of those outings have been starts. Now with two clubs in four months, Martin was an unused substitute in last weekend’s 3-0 victory over Harrogate which lifted them up to 16th in League Two. Photo: Jason Brown/ProSportsImages