1991-1992: Jim Smith appointed as manager. Thanks to a youth policy that produces quality such as Anderton, Symons and Awford, he steers PFC to an FA Cup Semi-Final v Liverpool, although after drawing 1-1 in the first match, it all ends in heartache as Pompey draw the replay 0-0 and crash out on penalties.
1992-1993: Premiership status was denied by two goals when losing out in the play-off semi-finals to Leicester City, courtesy of a goal that later the referee himself called "dubious". Doubly frustrating for Guy Whittingham after scoring 47 goals to eclipse the long established record of Billy "Farmers Boy" Haines. Paul Walsh also has an outstanding season, setting up many goals for "Corporal Punishment", as Whittingham is known.
1993-1994: Jim Smith sacked and replaced by Terry Fenwick. Smith's selection and tactical policies had come increasingly under fire, despite his good work in the previous two seasons.
1994-1995: Fenwick's side finish in 18th place.
1995-1996: Last day drama - a goal by Deon Burton saw Pompey win at Huddersfield and stave off impending relegation.
1996-1997: Terry Venables arrived on the scene to become chairman. Pompey came good in the second half of their programme, climaxing with FA Cup victory at Leeds and just failed to claim a play‑off place.
1997-98: Venables leaves club. After a poor start Pompey sack Fenwick, and once again last day drama sees Pompey win 3-1 at Bradford on the last day of the season to save their First Division status. On their desperate run to stay up under Alan Ball, Pompey beat Stockport 1-0 in a match which becomes famous amongst fans for the "wall of sound" and togetherness which will pull the club through the tough times ahead.
1998-1999: Pompey appoint Alan Ball as manager for the second time. Last day drama at Bradford saves club from relegation. Milan Mandaric saves club from closure.