Gary Roberts says he is excited at the prospect of playing for a 'really big club'.

The midfielder made his widely-expected move from Chesterfield, following manager Paul Cook south, and said it didn't feel like he was making the switch into League Two.

Roberts, 31, has signed a three-year deal brings with him widespread Football League experience with Accrington Stanley, Ipswich Town, Crewe Alexandra, Huddersfield Town and Swindon Town.

He told the Pompey website: '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 a League Two club. It reminds me of when I joined Ipswich a few years ago — it’s a proper club.

'It really is no secret that I played my best football under the manager here and I was only too happy to link up with him again.'

Roberts is Cook's fourth signing - following Kyle Bennett, Kal Naismith and Enda Stevens to PO4.

Meanwhile Pompey have revealed they asked league bosses to be able to play their first fixture on the road to allow their new pitch to bed in.

The request fell on deaf ears, for Pompey will start the season on August 8 at home to Dagenham and Redbridge - before hosting Derby a few days later in the Capitol One Cup.

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