Last season should have been one of great celebration for Bury, who returned to League One at the first attempt.
But – as with north-west neighbours Bolton – what happened on the pitch was overshadowed by events off it.
The club are up for sale and face a winding-up petition later this month because of an unpaid tax bill, while staff have gone without wages.
LAST SEASON
The achievement of winning promotion is even more remarkable when you consider Bury’s financial woes.
A 1-1 draw at Tranmere in their penultimate fixture was enough to secure an automatic spot behind champions Lincoln.
THE MANAGER
Bury are currently without a boss following Ryan Lowe’s switch to relegated Plymouth, with assistant Steven Schumacher also moving to Devon.
Lowe had previously made more than 150 appearances during three separate spells as a player with the Shakers, becoming manager last summer.
POMPEY CONNECTIONS
Former Fratton loanee Caolan Lavery spent the majority of last season at Gigg Lane, scoring six goals in 29 appearances.
HEAD TO HEAD
Pompey: 13 wins
Bury: 13 wins
8 draws
Last Fratton meeting
Pompey 1 (Clarke)
Bury 0
League One
December 16 2017
Last away meeting
Bury 0
Pompey 3 (Evans, Hawkins, Curtis)
Checkatrade Trophy semi-final
February 26 2019
SHAKERS STATS
Formed: 1885
Best league finish: 4th in Division One (1925/26)
Ground: Gigg Lane
Distance from Fratton Park: 255.2 miles
Estimated drive time: 4 hours 30 minutes
League One title odds: 100/1
10-YEAR HISTORY
2018/19 League Two: 2nd
2017/18 League One: 24th
2016/17 League One: 19th
2015/16 League One: 16th
2014/15 League Two: 3rd
2013/14 League Two: 12th
2012/13 League One: 22nd
2011/12 League One: 14th
2010/11 League Two: 2nd
2009/10 League Two: 9th