When Portsmouth won the FA Cup in 2008, the thought that they would be in League Two just 5 years later would have been seen as a nightmare scenario but, although supporters have certainly been through the mill in those intervening years there is finally a sense of optimism at Fratton Park.
A supporter-led takeover has secured the future of the club and legendary former striker Guy Whittingham is busy putting together a team that will be expected to challenge at the top end of the table.
Among the new signings is defender Danny East, familiar to Cobblers fans from his loan spell at Sixfields last season.