Skipper looks forward to leading Pompey into a new era
He was on a month-to-month contract and playing for a side that were relegated last season.
But there was never any doubt that Johnny Ertl would pen a new Pompey deal this summer.
It had to wait until he returned from holiday – if that’s what you call a backpacking trip around the Philipines.
But the Blues skipper was more than happy to sign a three-year contract and lead Pompey into a new era.
Ertl said: “It’s an exciting season ahead – and hopefully it will prove to be a successful one.
“We went through a difficult period last season and it’s funny that – apart from some of the kids – I’m now the longest-serving players here.
“Despite being on a month-to-month contract last year, I really enjoyed my time here and staying was a no-brainer.
“This is a special place, so I’m really pleased that I was able to sign a long-term deal this summer.
“We’re all going into a new era at Portsmouth Football Club. We have to put what happened in the past behind us and look forward to the challenge ahead.
“It’s great when you’re around the city and people are smiling. This is a community club now and it’s fantastic to play for such passionate fans.”
A flurry of summer transfer activity meant there were plenty of new faces when Pompey’s squad convened for the first day of training on Monday.
And Ertl – the club’s 2012/13 Player of the Season – is pleased with the group that Guy Whittingham has managed to assemble for the 2013/14 campaign.
He said: “This is a great club and I’m really pleased with the squad we’ve got here now.
“They’re a good bunch and it’s important that we gel together in pre-season to prepare for the new campaign.
“The expectations are high, but we have to take it step-by-step and work hard if we want to do well.
“League Two is a tough league to play in and we’ve got to make sure we get the basics right. We won’t be taking anything for granted.”