Pompey have completed the signing of 31 year old winger Gary Roberts from Chesterfield on a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee.

An initial bid for Roberts was turned down last month but a second increased bid this week sealed the deal.

Roberts flew down last night from Manchester – sharing a picture on Instagram as he prepared to leave for a Fratton Park medical today.

Roberts scored 8 goals in 42 appearances last season for Chesterfield and previously also played for Swindon, Huddersfield, Crewe, Ipswich and Accrington.

Roberts told the club website he was delighted to be joining a ‘really big club’.

He said: “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 I’m joining a League Two club. It reminds me of when I signed for Ipswich earlier in my career – it’s a proper club.

“If I can be a part of getting Pompey back to where they want to be, then it would be a great part of my career.

“I’m not shy to say that I’ve played my best football under this manager and I jumped at the chance to link up with him again.

“He knows me inside out – how I work, how I play. He’s been great for me and it’s a perfect match.

“It’s good to have a manager who trusts you. I wanted to play for the gaffer again and thankfully he brought me here.

“I’m really looking forward to it and I can’t wait to get going. We’re back in training soon and it’ll be great to meet the rest of the lads.”

Pompey boss Paul Cook also told the club website: “I’m delighted that we’ve signed Gary and I view this as a no-risk transfer, which is always great.

“His record speaks for itself and I’m sure the fans will be looking forward to seeing him in action.”

Chesterfield’s CEO Chris Turner told the club website: “At the age of 31, Gary has understandably been lured by the offer of a three-year contract.

“We felt it would not have been in the best interests of the club to have given him a similar deal.

“We only agreed to sell Gary when Portsmouth returned with an improved offer after we turned down their initial bid.

“Dean Saunders wanted to keep Gary and had several conversations with him, trying to persuade him to stay, but he was adamant that he wanted to join Portsmouth.

Meanwhile, Pompey have missed out on former Chesterfield midfielder Jimmy Ryan, who completed a move today to Fleetwood Town on a free transfer.

Photo credit: Pompey Player, Official PFC.