Pompey new boy Drew draws upon Owls and Spireites promotion experience

Drew Talbot hopes to draw upon his promotion experience as an Owl and a Spireite at new club Portsmouth.

The 29-year-old has signed a two-year deal with Pompey, linking up once again with former Chesterfield manager Paul Cook.

Getting out of League Two is his goal and he believes his experience will stand him and the club in good stead.

“The challenge is very simple,” he said.

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“I have come here to be promoted – having done it twice already with Sheffield Wednesday and Chesterfied. One of the reasons for me being here is to get a third on my CV.”

As a Spireite Talbot won the League Two title in both 2010/11 and 2013/14 and he knows how big a task Portsmouth have set themselves.

“The magnitude of this club means that they shouldn’t really be in this league and although I had some offers closer to home, once Pompey came in for me I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of,” he said.

“I know this is a difficult league to get out of and if you are a good team, the opposition will try to neutralise the way you play.

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“It’s up to us to break down other teams and that is a challenge that I am very much looking forward to.

“With Chesterfield there was a stage when we were something like 18 points clear, but only secured promotion on the final day, so it’s tough.”

The versatile right-back admits it was difficult being released by Chesterfield, a club he joined in 2009, but he’s looking forward to showcasing his talent in front of Pompey’s big crowds.

He said: “It is a wrench to leave there after seven-and-a-half years and I have nothing but fond memories, but the time is right for a new challenge.

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“I have played in front of big crowds before at Sheffield Wednesday and performing in front of 17,000 fans is something you should enjoy, not get nervous about.”

“If you can’t thrive on attendances and supporters like that then you shouldn’t be in the game.”