And, of course, the difficulty of replacing Yakubu's goals.
Still, here's the latest rumours on who we're supposedly lining up to lead the Portsmouth forward line next season.
John Aloisi
This one is a bit of a "dark horse" that's just kept going. For most of us Aloisi was just a distant memory until his recent four goals in two games at the Confederations Cup which reminded us he was still alive and in fact still playing, despite the fact he left us a full seven years ago. What's more he's available on a free transfer, but even so it was just speculative discussion amongst the fans. But no - Milan says we're actually talking to him and interested in doing a deal (and if he's saying that to the media, it usually means the deal is starting to slip away and we're trying to force him into a decision). I'm not sure if he brings us anything we haven't already got but I haven't seen him play lately, so who am I to comment on his talents after his spell abroad?
Jason Euell
By his own admission he had a torrid time at Charlton last season. Injury kept him out for a while and he didn't play well when he was in the side, and now he's of the opinion that a new ground, a fresh start and regular football could see him re-find his form. Alan Curbishley has slapped a £1.5m price tag on his head and according to his agent we're interested; whether or not this is just trying to drum up business and get others to chase his signature by using us as bait remains to be seen.
Henri Camara
Fresh from the honour of finishing bottom of the Premiership two seasons running, this Senegal international is fed up of being loaned out from Wolves. He wants a permanent move now and apparently we're up for it, although face competition from Blackburn. He's not a bad talent and would bring something new to the squad although his attitude seems a bit suspect, as well as his stunning ability to go completely missing when the going gets tough. What's more, as another African striker, we'd be completely shafted by the time the Cup of Nations swings around in early 2006.
Kevin Phillips
Having given up on Peter Crouch, instead we've gone for his strike partner. As with Camara their are allegations he doesn't try hard enough when things aren't going his way, not to mention those legs are getting on in years, but he's still got a bit of talent about him. Having said that, again in common with Camara, he has finished bottom of the Premiership twice too. Having one player with that "honour" may be seen as cocky, two is just plain cursing it! Still, with the possibility of tempting Redknapp with either Unsworth or Fuller, this move could yet come off. But I doubt it, personally.
That's all for now...