by Neil Weld in Spain
Pompey have arrived in Spain for their pre-season training camp.
The squad – made up of trialists and first-year professionals – were up early to catch the 7.15am Monarch flight from Gatwick to Malaga.
Youngsters Ashley Harris, Adam Webster, Sam Magri, Dan Butler, Dan Thompson, Jed Wallace and George Colson were all on the plane.
They were joined by trialists Simon Eastwood, Mustapha Dumbuya, Jon Harley, Brian Howard, Simon Gillett, Lloyd Sam, Luke Rodgers and Izale McLeod.
With Britain beset by wet weather recently, the trip provided a welcome chance to train in sunnier climes.
That was not immediately apparent as the plane touched down in Spain underneath grey clouds.
But the sun soon broke through on the one-hour coach journey to the team’s hotel, accompanied by temperatures in the mid-twenties.
Michael Appleton’s men have not come to laze by the pool and top up their tans, however.
The Blues boss is planning gruelling double sessions to get his troops into tip-top condition.
Travelling fans will then get the chance to see their side in action when Pompey make the short trip to Gibraltar on Friday.
The match – the Blues’ first pre-season fixture following the rain-induced cancellation at Havant & Waterlooville at the weekend – kicks-off at 8pm (7pm BST).
Pompey then take on Championship side Brighton in Cadiz on Tuesday, July 24 (6pm kick-off local time, 5pm BST).
In truth, Appleton would have wanted to come to Spain with more senior professionals in his squad.
But with youngsters and trialists eager to impress, there is still plenty to take from the trip.