Winger, Matt Ritchie has re-joined Portsmouth on a free transfer.
Ritchie left Newcastle in June after he scored 25 goals in 215 total appearances across eight seasons on Tyneside.
The 34 year-old has now re-joined Portsmouth on a free transfer after a 13-and-a-half year absence, having left Pompey to join Swindon Town in January 2011 after he had initially moved on loan that season.
Portsmouth manager, John Mousinho welcomed Ritchie’s return with a wealth of Premier League experience, which he hopes will provide motivation for Portsmouth’s first Championship campaign since 2011-12 season.
“Everyone will know what Matt is all about because he’s had a fantastic Premier League career.
“I’m sure all the fans have tracked his incredible progress since he was last at the club and been pleased by what he’s achieved.
“It’s a transfer that’s been talked about for a long time and it’s amazing that we’ve been able to get it done.
“As well as playing in the top-flight for a number of seasons, Matt also has plenty of experience at this level, having been promoted from the Championship a couple of times.
“It’s one of those signings that will provide a real boost around the place because he’s a fantastic player and in very good physical condition. We’re very excited to have him here.”
Ritchie began his career at Portsmouth where he graduated through their youth academy, only to make 10 senior appearances for the club amidst loan spells at Dagenham and Redbridge, Notts County and Swindon.
Following his permanent switch to Swindon, Ritchie was part of their promotion-winning team in 2011-12 League Two season.
His performances saw him move to Bournemouth in January 2013 where two further promotions followed, culminating in the Cherries reaching the Premier League in Summer 2015.
Ritchie left Bournemouth after their first season in the top-flight for Newcastle, and helped the Magpies claim promotion back to the top-tier from which they have consolidated themselves as a top team.
Leave a Reply