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Michael Eisner had previously been required to appoint just one manager in five-and-a-half years of Fratton Park ownership.

Even then it was rather helpfully a try-before-you-buy scenario with Danny Cowley.

Now Pompey’s chairman is presented with a regime-defining moment, arguably the biggest decision since his August 2017 arrival.

The next Blues head coach must be an appointment capable of revitalising a flagging Fratton faithful by reassuring them of Tornante’s on-pitch ambition.

Potentially a third straight year without reaching the League One play-offs is disastrous. Many fans are tired, no longer possessing the appetite to watch another patient squad rebuild.

It took Milan Mandaric three unsuccessful managerial selections before striking gold in Harry Redknapp, who was already in the building as director of football.

Under the fan ownership era, the Blues twice promoted from within their ranks in Guy Whittingham and Andy Awford, with ex-Crawley boss Richie Barker sandwiched between.

As with Mandaric, it was fourth-time lucky, identifying Chesterfield’s Paul Cook, albeit demonstrating a good deal of patience to secure their man.

Pompey's next head coach represents chairman Michael Eisner's second managerial appointment in five-and-a-half years at the club. Picture: Joe Pepler

During the 30 days which followed Awford’s exit, Gary Waddock served as caretaker boss for the final four matches, while the Spireites still had League One play-off commitments to fulfil.

Once Chesterfield’s season was complete, with semi-final elimination to Preston, Pompey paid compensation to capture Cook in May 2015.

Ironically, the former Accrington boss was accompanied by coaches Leam Richardson and Ian Foster, with both seriously considered as Cowley’s replacement during the present search.

The most pivotal decision of Michael Eisner's Portsmouth reign - and why under-fire owners have to get it right