Harry Redknapp was installed as the manager of Portsmouth FC at the start of the 2002-03 season, realistically he was hoping to take them to the play offs at the start of the season; however his side exceeded expectations and won the division. They finished the season off as run away winners, gaining a staggering 98 points and only losing 6 matches through the course of the campaign. Pompey also strengthened their squad in all aspects of the field, including buying ex- England international, Steve Stone and Arjan De Zeeuw at the start of the season. Mid way through the season, Portsmouth purchased Yakubu from Israeli club, Maccabi Haifa and he proved to be a brilliant signing for the club, eventually being sold to Middlesbrough in the summer of 1995 for £7.5 million, making a huge profit on the football player.
Their first season back in the top flight, was a decent one for Portsmouth, incidentally this was the first time in 16 seasons that Pompey were back in the top flight and they were adamant to stay in the premiership. Redknapp strengthened their squad at the start of the campaign, bringing more experience in, buying Teddy Sheringham and Patrick Berger and they proved to be two crucial summer signings. Portsmouth were consistent through out.
The 2004-05 season did not run as smoothly for the club, Harry Redknapp left the managerial post mid way through the season, to be replaced by Alan Perrin and Portsmouth had to stay content in struggling for survival. Their end of season form was poor and they finished off in 16th position, only gaining 39 points, a points tally which would usually condemn a club to relegation.
The 2005-06 season started off badly for Portsmouth, despite strengthening the squad. Mid way through the campaign, Harry Redknapp came back to the club to manage it and saved them from relegation. He brought in some key players, including Mendez and Lua Lua and it proved to be effective, they finished of the season 17th place; however their form at the end was outstanding.