Midfielder thrilled to make Fratton switch
Gary Roberts is delighted to have signed for a ‘really big club’.
The midfielder has put pen to paper on a three-year deal following a successful stint with Chesterfield.
The move sees him reunite with former Spireites boss Paul Cook, who was also a team-mate at Accrington.
And Roberts is thrilled that the pair will be linking up again at Fratton Park.
He said: “No disrespect to my previous sides, but I haven’t played for a really big club for a few years.
“It doesn’t feel like I’m joining a League Two club. It reminds me of when I signed for Ipswich earlier in my career – it’s a proper club.
“If I can be a part of getting Pompey back to where they want to be, then it would be a great part of my career.
“I’m not shy to say that I’ve played my best football under this manager and I jumped at the chance to link up with him again.
“He knows me inside out – how I work, how I play. He’s been great for me and it’s a perfect match.
“It’s good to have a manager who trusts you. I wanted to play for the gaffer again and thankfully he brought me here.
“I’m really looking forward to it and I can’t wait to get going. We’re back in training soon and it’ll be great to meet the rest of the lads.”
Roberts has immediately set his sights on helping Pompey win promotion out of League Two.
He said: “We just need to get out of this division – that has to be our aim.
“If we told the 17,000 fans that will probably be here for the first game of the season that we were targeting mid-table, then I don’t think they’d be too happy.
“It’s a tricky league and there are some tough grounds to visit. It’s very demanding, but we’ll take fans everywhere and I’m sure they’ll enjoy watching us.”