Once upon a time, we'd have no business discussing Pompey.

They were an established Premier League force, only on the hallowed pages of FLW when they expressed an interest in a Football League Player.

Times change and a series of disasters both on the pitch and in the board room saw the once proud club tumble from the heady heights of FA Cup winners to the basement division in double quick time.

Managers came and went, players did the same but long-suffering fans had to sit and watch as their once-proud club crumbled away before their very eyes.

Kicking off the 2016/17 season in League Two was a sharp wake up call that everyone at the club needed.

Paul Cook delivered the promotion they so desperately wanted, back at least into the third tier. The fact it came with the league title made it all the more sweet.

This season they've battle against expectation and found themselves on the cusp of a dramatic return to the second tier.

They're outside the top six at present, but it is still all to play for. It seems that at long last, Pompey are on the way back. They're redefining their history and learning all the time.

Here's three things FLW learned about Portsmouth this season.

Michael Eisner took over the club at the beginning of the season and it is a case of so far, so good for his rein as the chairman. Pompey fans could be forgiven for exercising caution, given their past troubles.

They've been burned by bad owners and mismanagement in the past, but at present it seems they're in steady hands with the former Walt Disney CEO.

Ollie Hawkins arrived from Dagenham this summer, but aside from a good start he's struggled in League One. Nicke Kabamba came in a season ago from the National league South and he too hasn't made the grade.

Brett Pitman is a seasoned Football League player and he's delivered 21 this season. There are gems within the National League set up, but the trick is blending them with the right players

Jamal Lowe is the exception to the rule with seven assists and six goals this season. He came from the National League South and has started 35 games for Pompey so far.

He's made the step up with relative ease and is the one true gem they've acquired from their spell in the bottom division.