The 2017-18 campaign delivered a strong return to the third tier for Portsmouth as Pompey finished a respectable 8th in League One in their first season back after winning promotion. Leading the charge was the prolific forward Brett Pitman, whose 23 goals proved decisive in a campaign built on attacking threat and solid re-establishment in the professional ranks. Under manager Kenny Jackett, the season, featuring emerging stars like Jamal Lowe and Matt Clarke, was a confident year that marked the club's consolidation of its status.