The ink had barely dried on Michael Morrison’s contract when he boarded the coach for Barnet.
Just a few hours after Pompey’s deal to sign him was complete, the defender was taking part in a friendly.
That was his first experience on the pitch during pre-season following a departure from Reading at the end of last term.
But Morrison will be ready to step into the back-line if required for Saturday’s League One opener against his former club Sheffield Wednesday.
He said: “Last time I was out of contract, I signed for Reading having not had a proper pre-season and ended up playing 40-odd games.
“I feel fit and it’s just about getting back up to speed with things like judging the flight of the ball and there will be more to come as the season progresses.
“Hillsborough is a great place to play football, although it can be difficult when you’re at home and they get on your back if things aren’t going well.
“We’ll go there and it’s about us trying to put a mark on the game to try to quieten them down, perhaps being pragmatic at the start.
"“I feel fit and it’s just about getting back up to speed with things like judging the flight of the ball and there will be more to come as the season progresses."
“There are a lot of big clubs in League One this season, but that’s exciting and our young squad should enjoy these kind of fixtures.”
Some transfer deals are worked on for weeks – or even months – before being completed, but that was not the case with Morrison.
He explained: “I was ready to sign somewhere else, but then the call came through on the Monday night and we got everything sorted.
“My medical was the following morning and then it was a bit of a whirlwind because I played at Barnet in the evening.
“I was really excited when the opportunity did come up because this is such a big club and one that everyone knows about.
“This is a great place to play football and so the decision was pretty much made as soon as Pompey were on the phone.
“I’ve been promoted twice from this league – once with Leicester and once with Charlton – and I see a squad here with a mix of youth and experience, as well as some real firepower.
“I’m looking forward to getting to know everyone properly and learn what the club is trying to do on and off the pitch.”