Still in administration and heading down to the fourth tier of English football, the 2012/13 campaign might not be one the Fratton faithful look back too fondly on.
But Jon Harley has nothing but good words to say about his five months playing for Pompey just over a decade ago.
The new assistant head coach featured 26 times during the first half of that season – one of many to pen a short-term deal on the eve of the opening game.
And one of the main reasons why Harley loved his stint on the south coast was the atmosphere generated by the supporters.
He said: “It’s really exciting to be back at Pompey again and I’m so excited to get started in my new role.
“I look back on my time as a player here and when Fratton Park is rocking, it’s such a great place to be.
“I can still remember my debut against Bournemouth and walking out before the game to see a real togetherness among the crowd.
"I look back on my time as a player here and when Fratton Park is rocking, it’s such a great place to be."
“Everyone knew it was an incredibly difficult situation at the time, but the place was bouncing and the hairs on the back of my neck were standing up. I had goosebumps.
“So I want to be a part in getting the ground bouncing again and seeing the fans off their seats. That’s what we’re all looking for.”
Harley immediately joined Chelsea in a coaching capacity after departing the Blues and has played a part in the progression of world class stars.
He said: “I think I left Pompey on the Saturday and then started working there on the Monday. That was 10 years and one month ago.
“I went in as an under-15s coach and then have spent the past few years with the under-18s and then the under-21s.
“My position was all about developing players and we saw guys like Mason Mount and Reece James come through.
“That’s the kind of thing I’m looking to do here – I want to help improve footballers. John and I have also crossed paths recently and he’s great man.
“I was in a really good place at Chelsea, but when the opportunity to come here arose, it was something I couldn’t turn down.”