It was Paul Cook who brought Kieron Freeman to Pompey on loan for the second half of the 2015/16 campaign.
The right-back made seven appearances after being borrowed from Sheffield United, although a red card on the final day meant he missed the play-off clashes with Plymouth.
He went on to enjoy great success with the Blades, helping them secure the League One title and then achieve promotion to the Premier League.
And Freeman is confident that his second spell on the south coast will be a much more successful one.
He said: “I couldn’t say no to the move back then, although I didn’t get the playing time that I would have liked.
“The player arriving now is completely different to the one from all those years ago. A lot has happened since.
“I’ve had a few promotions, appeared in the Premier League and been able to play international football.
“Now I want to buckle down, feature in as many games as possible and help the club get to where they want to be.
“Being here before played a big part in the decision to come here, as well as the chance to play under this manager.
"The player arriving now is completely different to the one from all those years ago. A lot has happened since."
“I already knew a few of the other lads, like Bassy [Alex Bass], who was here when I was at the club previously.
“Ellis [Harrison] is someone I’ve played alongside for Wales under-21s and I’ve come up against some of the lads. They’ve all been really welcoming.
“I know all about this club and the fan-base, so I know what to expect now that the supporters are allowed back into games.
“When Fratton Park is rocking on a Saturday, there’s no better feeling as a footballer – it’s really special.”
Freeman is excited to be part of the Danny Cowley revolution on the south coast and has high expectations.
He said: “The aim is obviously promotion, although I don’t want to get carried away and be shouted at by the gaffer!
“We want to be as successful as possible and it feels similar to when I was at Sheffield United in League One.
“They’re both big clubs that are striving for something more. If we can replicate what happened there, it will be amazing.
“This a club that is looking to – and should be – moving forward and it’s exciting to now be a part of that.”