Both have been part of Pompey's fixtures and fittings for many years - but both have now moved on to League One rivals for the 2021-22 season.

Jack Whatmough and Ben Close are among players who have turned down the Blues' offer of new contracts and chosen to pursue their careers elsewhere. Whatmough has joined Wigan, Close has moved to Doncaster.

Both went with the club's good wishes and those of the fans - with plenty of supporters expressing surprise the Blues have let both go.

And for their part, both players expressed their thanks to the club and supporters for the great times they had experienced at Fratton.

Anxious Pompey fans now wait to see if anyone else will leave - and, perhaps more importantly, who will come in to replace those departing.

Close said on Twitter: 'Leaving the club was an incredibly tough decision, but it felt like the right time. To play almost 200 games for Portsmouth — the team I’ve supported since I was a young boy — is something I am incredibly proud of. I have had some brilliant highs that I’ll remember forever.

'I have so many people to thank for helping me along the way — coaches, team-mates, friends and family. I also want to thank the fans for the unbelievable support, both home and away. I’ll certainly miss playing at a packed Fratton Park.

'I’d like to wish Danny, Nicky, the staff and the squad good luck for next season. I’m sure they’ll get the club to where it belongs.'

Whatmough expressed similar sentiments, saying: 'After 13 years, my time at Portsmouth has come to an end. I'd like to thank you all for the support through good and bad times. It's something I'll never forget.

'I wish Danny, Nicky and the club all the best moving forward and hope they bring success, which the club deserves. It was an honour to represent the football club and wearing the badge was always something I took pride in.

'To all the fans, board, players past and present, thank you. It's been a pleasure. I've met lifelong friends and some people I'll never forget.'

Photo: Action Images

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