The role of Pompey number nine has been carried out in legendary fashion by list of names who rightly have their names etched in the Blues hall of fame.
But, for others, the weight of the shirt has proved too heavy with the pressure of leading the line at Fratton too much.
Whether it’s been poor fortune, the timing not being right or just downright not being up to the task, there has been some striking horror signings down the years.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the worst front men to represent the club, so step into a Pompey striker circus of horrors if you dare…
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. Nikos Kyzeridis
High hopes when the Greek arrived in 1998 but he managed four appearances and no goals. Photo: UGC
. Paul Gilchrist
Came from down the road and was barracked by supporters as his team suffered relegation Photo: The News Portsmouth
. Dave Kitson
Fans had big hopes for the striker but it never quite worked out for Kitson at Fratton Photo: Allan Hutchings
. David Crown
Two goals in 28 after arriving in 1981. Handled it better at the likes of Gillingham, Southend and Cambridge. Photo: The News
. The Pompey strikers who flopped
Lee Mills is among the many strikers down the years who arrived with big hopes, but found the weight of the Pompey shirt weighted too heavily on them. Photo: The News
. Hamilton Thorp
One of Terry Venables' Australians was actually converted to a striker before joining in 1999. The learning curve was too steep as he proved to be out of his depth in English football. Photo: Steve Reid
. Lee Chapman
Blink and you missed Chapman's Pompey career. Rumour was partner Leslie Ash called the shots as he left to join West Ham Photo: TIM WHITBY
1. Paul Gilchrist
Came from down the road and was barracked by supporters as his team suffered relegation Photo: The News Portsmouth
2. Dave Kitson
Fans had big hopes for the striker but it never quite worked out for Kitson at Fratton Photo: Allan Hutchings
3. David Crown
Two goals in 28 after arriving in 1981. Handled it better at the likes of Gillingham, Southend and Cambridge. Photo: The News
4. The Pompey strikers who flopped
Lee Mills is among the many strikers down the years who arrived with big hopes, but found the weight of the Pompey shirt weighted too heavily on them. Photo: The News