The preparation is complete and the opening match of the 2019/20 season is almost here.
Pompey get their latest League One campaign started with a trip to Shropshire to take on Shrewsbury.
There is plenty of excitement among supporters about what lies ahead on the pitch over the next nine months.
And Lee Brown revealed that the Blues squad are just as enthusiastic about returning to competitive action.
The left-back said: “There’s nothing really on the games in pre-season, so it’s nice to get down to business and let the rollercoaster of emotions start again.
“You have to do things right in those friendlies, but the real stuff starts on Saturday – everyone knows that.
“It’s exciting and the players always get a buzz at this time of year when you’re leading up to the first league game.
“Going to Shrewsbury is always a tough test and we’ll definitely need to be at our best to get any points there.
"The players always get a buzz at this time of year when you’re leading up to the first league game."
“They’ll be big and strong. We have to be ready for a battle first and foremost, then hopefully we can try to get the ball down and play.
“We’ve got a sell-out away crowd behind us – which doesn’t surprise me – and the fans are always excellent.”
Pompey have been busy in the transfer market over the summer, boosting their squad with eight new signings.
Brown said: “I think it’s given the lads a lift, as well as the supporters. You want to see your side buying top players because it shows you’re moving in the right direction.
“That pressure to get promoted has been around for a few years, but the recruitment has been really strong.
“I know we’ve lost a couple, but the replacements who have been brought in are more than good enough.”