The news has saddened many Pompey fans as they paid tribute to Pompey's longest serving player, having been at the club since 1998 after joining as a trainee and making his debut for the club at the age of 16.
Since that day he did his bit in getting us promoted to the Premiership before being shipped off by Harry Redknapp to Walsall and Cardiff on loan. When Redknapp left Velimir Zajec and Alain Perrin brought him back to the first team fold where he kept his place and shone in the 05/06 season, scoring crucial goals that helped Pompey avoid the drop.
He failed to capitalise on this form though and a disappointing season followed and that is perhaps why Harry has decided to let him go. I don't think the manager sees O'Neil in his first choice midfield with Utaka doing a great job there along with the additions of Glen Johnson and Papa Bouba Diop to the midfield today.
We have to move on, and whilst this move will leave a bitter taste in the mouth of many of the Fratton Faithful, we have to trust Harry's judgement.
Finally, a big thank you to Gary O'Neil for everything you've done for Portsmouth Football Club. I'm sure you'll be missed by everyone and no doubt you'll receive the reception you deserve at Fratton Park when Boro visit.
So, that's two former Pompey player of the year's that have left in one day! I guess that's the end of yet another busy summer for Pompey, unless that "biga name" we were wanting turns up in the next five minutes or so...