Well, not that it is a surprise, as someone had spilled the beans, let the cat out of the bag etc. etc. over his proposed transfer to Pompey anyway.
Having been ‘revealed’ by Pompey last night but announced by Ipswich early this morning we now know a deal is now done and dusted as Brett Pitman is a Blues player having signed a three year deal contract.
The club haven’t announced details of the deal for the former Bournemouth forward but it is thought Pitman, 29, has signed on a free.
It was decided it was in the best interests all-round if Pitman left Portman Road, so he did. However, he doesn’t see this as a ‘drop down’ merely a chance to ‘push on’ and help Pompey into the Championship.
Pitman told portsmouthfc.co.uk: ‘Coming back to the south coast is nice and this is a big club, so it’s something I’m really looking forward to. I had a good chat with the manager at Ipswich and we both decided that it was time for me to move on. But I don’t see this as a drop down – I see it as an opportunity to push on and hopefully get promoted again.’
When Pitman returned to Bournemouth for his second spell, having left first time round to join Bristol City, he did so with the Cherries playing in League One. He moved on to Ipswich with Eddie Howe’s side in the Premier League.
Can he do that with Pompey? He certainly feels the Blues are Championship ready and aims to help us to ‘the next level.’
‘When I went back to Bournemouth I signed a three-year contract and we were in League One, but when I left they were in the Premier League – who’s to say that can’t happen again? This is too big a club for League Two and arguably it’s too big for League One, so our collective aim has to be to go up to the next level.’
He went on to say Kenny Jackett’s success at League One level before helped and the Pompey boss soon ‘sold the project’ to him and as much as he’ll not be setting a target he would ‘try to score as many goals as I possibly can’ and cannot wait for the League One opener with Rochdale.
Adding: ‘Walking out for the first league game in front of those fans will be special and it’s one of the things I’m most looking forward to. I’ve played at Fratton Park for the visiting team before and you always come away saying how good they are. Win, lose or draw they get behind the team.’
There we have it. A deal that happened, at least it appeared too, quickly but it’s one we’ve got to be happy about as Pompey have brought in a proven football at this level, who could also kick on in the Championship if/when we get there.
I’m pretty pleased to be honest, are you?
PLAY UP POMPEY
Follow @VitalPortsmouth.
