Roberts leaves for Pompey

01 September 2003

Portsmouth have succeeded in snatching Jason Roberts from under the noses of Wigan Athletic by signing him on a season-long loan deal; somewhat ironically, as they tried to snatch him from under our noses when he first joined us from Bristol.

Roberts, who has already been fined once for comments made on his personal web site, used the same forum to comment on the move:

"Harry Redknapp's reputation in football precedes him and when someone like that makes it clear they want you to play for them, you listen. His teams are renowned for a certain style of play, for getting the ball down and passing it, and that is exactly the style I feel suits my own game best. I've always said I wanted to be in a side that looks to attack in the right way and now I've been given that opportunity, the rest is up to me."

The deal is good for Albion in two ways; we won't be helping to strengthen a team that many predict will be rivals in the Promotion race, and it gives Roberts a chance to show what he can do in a side that plays a type of football more suited to his strengths, while leaving the door open for a return if we can play a similar style when we get back to the top flight or proving his capabilities and attracting a larger fee if he should want to leave.

Meanwhile, Mali International Sekou Berthe has finally been granted his French passport, and is now available to play for us.

Previous Stories:

  30 August 2003:  Left side cover at last

  29 August 2003:  Roberts offer accepted!

  22 August 2003:  Mystery defender injury!

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