Pompey fans have been very optimistic during pre-season and it's not hard to see why. The record transfer fee was broken once Sulley Muntari signed (and then broken again according to some sources that say that John Utaka was signed for £8.1 million). The defence has been strengthened with the arrivals of Sylvain Distin, Martin Cranie and Hermann Hriedarsson whilst David Nugent's arrival at Fratton Park has got everyone hoping that he's the goal poacher we've been needing since Yakubu left.
There will be doubts over some of the unproven players that have come in but I'm confident that Nugent will make the step up. He's like a good old fashioned centre forward - good in the air, good on the ball and knows where the goal is.
I think Sulley Muntari's "take no prisoners" attitude will ensure he's an instant hit with the Pompey fans and as long as he settles quickly and avoids suspensions. John Utaka could go either way but his pace could be a real asset down the right where we have lacked a consistent natural winger since Steve Stone.
Making Sol Campbell captain was also a great move by Harry Redknapp as now we have a captain with real leadership qualities and the more reliable Hriedarsson is more likely to start at left back than Stefanovic and Traore.
But what about the players we have lost or could end up leaving?
Toddy leaving was inevitable but it was probably time for him to move on whilst I don't think we'll miss Andrew Cole or Andy Griffin at all. Lomana LuaLua wants to leave according to Harry which is strange after he's said in interviews that he wants to stay and then backed it up during pre-season by scoring a glut of goals and looking impressive. I doubt Redknapp would let him leave until we've signed another striker but I really hope Lua stays if only to prove his critics wrong.
It's also imperative that we keep hold of players like Matthew Taylor and Gary O'Neil. These two players still have a big part to play in Pompey's future in my opinion and it would be silly to let either of them go unless someone like Tottenham offers silly money for them. Sol Campbell also needs to be convinced to stay as he could end up leaving for nothing next summer.
The squad is nearly complete but I feel that Harry will try and bring one or two new players in. It's no secret that he's after another striker and we probably need another creative midfielder too for when Kranjcar is injured (like he is now).
So with this new and improved squad, what are the aims for this season?
Many of our players have stated that Europe is the aim after narrowly missing out last season. Harry has said that he would be delighted with a top half finish whilst it's refreshing to see that pundits and journos haven't breathed a word about relegation when talking about Portsmouth. The only way we're getting relegated this season is through sheer complacency and that should not happen.
Other than the top 5 of Man United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham (in some sort of order) then 6th place is wide open between a bundle of clubs that includes ourselves. Everton, Newcastle, Aston Villa, Blackburn and West Ham all fancy themselves this year so these are the teams we'll need to take points from if we are to achieve Europe.
The biggest thing we need to solve is our away form. David James has highlighted the fact that our results on the road just haven't been good enough having not won away since Boxing Day 2006. With a larger squad and a better defence it's up to Redknapp to get his tactics right.
If he does then we should be in for a great season as results at Fortress Fratton will come and if we can pick up some points at other grounds then who knows how high we can finish?
With the money we've invested then a challenge for Europe is a strong possibility and a top 10 finish is the least I expect unless we have a prolonged stint in one of the cup competitions. I would love a cup run and hopefully this season we will avoid drawing one of the big four or any bizarre trip up north in atrocious conditions!
On a final note it's great to see things moving on off the pitch too. Despite Avram Grant's departure we've kept hold of Tony Adams and we've now been granted academy status following Paul Hart's arrival. Fratton Park has been renovated, we've got a brand new megastore and our worldwide profile has been raised thanks to our Asia Trophy exploits. Now all we need is the new stadium!
It's a great time to be a Pompey supporter right now. We have the funds, the manager and the team to challenge for Europe. If we can learn from last season's mistakes by showing more ambition on the road and capitalising on the January transfer window then the Pompey Chimes will be ringing loudly.
Play Up Pompey!
Pundit's Predictions
Sky Sports: 7th
Soccernet: 9th
Teletext: 11th
My Prediction: 8th