Last term was deemed by many as a transitional one for the Blues, as Danny Cowley put his stamp on the team he inherited.
However, that wasn’t the case for a swathe of familiar ex-Fratton Park faces, who will be playing in a higher division come August following successful campaigns with their new clubs.
But who are they? And where did they find success?
Here’s all the former players to wear royal blue who won promotion last season.
1. Jamal Lowe - AFC Bournemouth
Former Fratton favourite Jamal Lowe made 34 Championship appearances last season as the Cherries won promotion to the Premier League. The 27-year-old mainly played a role from the bench as 25 league outings came from the dugout. The winger may not taste top-flight football, though, as he's been linked with a move back to Wigan. Picture: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images Photo: Ryan Pierse
2. Jack Whatmough - Wigan
The Blues academy graduate played an influential role in Wigan's League One title win last season by making 46 league outings. Picture: Jacques Feeney/Getty Images Photo: Jacques Feeney
3. Tom Naylor - Wigan
Alongside Whatmough, Naylor also was a key cog in Wigan's title-winning side. In total, he made 43 league appearances for the Latics. The midfielder is back in the second tier for the first time since 2018. Picture: George Wood/Getty Images Photo: George Wood
4. Nigel Atangana - Exeter
The 32-year-old midfielder won promotion to League One with Exeter after making 16 league appearances last season. Across 2021-22, he scored once. Picture: Pete Norton/Getty Images Photo: Pete Norton