Portsmouth have endured a miserable close season, with their tour of the United States blighted by all manner of problems, and the extent of the challenge facing Pompey when the season kicks off in 11 days time is only too apparent on the club's official website.
The club's first team squad page lists just 14 players, several of whom are expected to leave Fratton Park before the close of the transfer window, and no goalkeepers.
Tal Ben Haim, John Utaka and Kevin-Prince Boateng are among those expected to depart, leaving the club desperately short of players before they start their Championship campaign at Coventry a week on Saturday. Jamie Ashdown, who was released by the club in June, is currently back at the club on trial, and could come in to solve the goalkeeping crisis, with David James on his way out. Liam O'Brien, an 18-year-old academy keeper, could be the sole back-up.
Portsmouth ended their US tour with a 4-0 drubbing at the hands of DC United, a result that the manager Steve Cotterill felt highlighted their situation.
"The one thing about this result is that it's shown the position we're in. It's painful. We've got some good honest senior lads here and some youngsters who are trying their hardest," said Cotterill. "The kids have got to be at full tilt to be anywhere near the team, and we're going to be playing in a man's league in a couple of weeks' time."
Bookmakers have installed Portsmouth as third-favourites for relegation behind Scunthorpe and Barnsley.
