FORMER Ipswich skipper David Norris has revealed that he first spoke with Portsmouth about moving to Fratton Park four months before last season ended.

The centre midfield today officially signed for Town’s divisional rivals on a three-year deal and claimed both the Pompey faithful and manager Steve Cotterill had convinced him to make the move.

Norris left Town on a free transfer after turning down a two-year contract to remain at Portman Road.

“I’m delighted it’s finally done and dusted,” said Norris. “I spoke to the manager back in January, and we’ve been in touch and I’m happy to be here.

“The manager was one of the main reasons I chose Portsmouth. He persevered in coming to get me, he kept me in the loop the whole time and he really sold the club to me.

“He’s got a lot of ambition and I wanted to be a part of that. Once I spoke to the manager I was more than happy to come here and play for a great club like this.”

The former Town man was equally praising of his new supporters describing the Fratton Park crowd as “brilliant”.

He said: “When I played here last season with Ipswich we drew 0-0 but I remember the way the fans got behind Pompey. They were right behind the team – and it was the same when I saw the game against Norwich on TV.”