Portsmouth achieved their aim of reaching the Premier League in some style in the 2002/03 season. They became Division One champions and the 37th member club of the Premier League following a triumphant campaign that saw them dominate their league from start to finish, finishing with 98 points and 97 goals. Manager Harry Redknapp's talent had always been the transfer market and he used his widespread contacts to secure some vital signings, including imperious goalkeeper Shaka Hislop from former club West Ham United and pacy Bulgarian striker Svetoslav Todorov. Blending their high-profile stars with youngsters Matthew Taylor and Gary O'Neil, there was no stopping the Fratton Park outfit. A return to top-flight football for the first time since 1988 was no more than the club's committed band of supporters deserved. Although tipped to struggle by some observers, Pompey confounded the critics and a return of 21 points from 10 games at the end of the season secured a respectable 13th place and Premier League football for another year. Redknapp resigned from his position in November 2004, ushering in a new era at Fratton Park, with Alain Perrin briefly taking charge of first-team affairs from April 2005 until November of the same year. However, Redknapp made a shock return to Fratton Park on December 7, 2005, leaving bitter rivals Southampton to ride to struggling Pompey's rescue after Perrin was dismissed thanks to a poor start to the 2005/06 season. Pompey survived relegation and in the summer Redknapp appointed former Arsenal captain Tony Adams as his assistant manager. Chairman Milan Mandaric stood down in September 2006, handing over control of the club to Alexandre Gaydamak. Instantly recognisable for their passionate, colourful and vocal support, Pompey have proved a welcome addition to the top flight.

The original Portsmouth Football Club was formed in 1898 after local team Royal Artillery fell out of favour. A meeting of five local businessmen and sportsmen brought together by solicitor Alderman JE Pink invested in an area of land which was to become Fratton Park. As original members of Division Three in 1920, the naval city's club flourished with the introduction of the Third Division (South) the following year. Pompey finished top of the 1923-24 table and 1927 saw a dramatic last-day promotion to Division One, beating Manchester City to the second promotion place by slenderest of goal average margins - 1/200th of a goal. The period of success under legendary manager Jack Tinn continued and saw FA Cup final appearances in both 1929 and 1934. But Tinn - who was in charge from 1927 to 1947 - helped Portsmouth get their hands on the famous trophy with a 4-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers in 1939. After World War II, Portsmouth continued to be one of the leading sides in the country, winning back-to-back League Championships in 1949 and 1950. But they were unable to sustain that success and through the 1960s and 1970s the club was outside the upper echelons - and even had a brief stay in Division Four. But Pompey found their feet once again and recorded a series of elevations in the early 1980s, culminating in their first top-flight season in almost three decades in 1987-88. Relegation followed a year on and a series of managers attempted to restore the side back to former glories. After 16 years, Harry Redknapp - a Premier League veteran with West Ham - guided them back to the top with a flowing brand of football.