He had a delayed start to his Pompey career.
But after recovering from a pre-season injury, Nathan Thompson is fit and loving life in the first team.
With several of his colleagues facing longer spells on the sidelines, the summer signing put his setback into perspective.
And now Thompson is determined to play a part in helping the Blues climb the League One standings.
“I’m really enjoying it now that I’m back on the pitch and playing games after a frustrating start to my Pompey career,” he says in the official matchday magazine for Saturday’s clash with Bradford. “I wanted to make a good first impression when I signed, but wasn’t able to do that.
“The first day went swimmingly and then on the second, out of nowhere I got the injury, so it was pretty annoying.
"I wanted to make a good first impression when I signed, but wasn’t able to do that."
“Credit to medical team here, though, because they were spot on and that’s allowed me to get back to where I am now.
“I have been unlucky at times, but then there are boys like Tareiq Holmes-Dennis, Jack Whatmough and even Damien McCrory who have come off worse than me, so you can’t feel sorry for yourself.
“An important thing in football is how you bounce back from setbacks. Now I’m getting back to full fitness and feel that I’m starting to contribute more to the team.”
To read the full interview – where Thompson also talks about leaving Swindon in the summer and his aims for the season – pick up a copy of the magazine from programme sellers around Fratton Park.
Also in issue 10, Kal Naismith reveals his favourite things, while Drew Talbot is next to take the ‘Home & Away’ quiz.
We take an in-depth look at Bradford, while there are exclusive columns from Mark Catlin, Kenny Jackett and Brett Pitman.
All this and much, much more in a packed 84 pages is available for just £3.