It's something of a worry for any other potential recruits, but Hermann Hreidarsson has become Pompey's ambassador.

In fact, the ambassador's receptions have forged such a reputation they are probably being lined up to feature in a Ferrero Rocher advert this Christmas.

Instead of the towering pyramid of chocolates on a silver tray though, it is the Icelandic international who is slightly nutty.

Managers will always tell you that integrating new signings into the fold can be a tricky task.

But Hreidarsson has his own rules on welcoming protocol and sticks to them rigidly. He's happy to meet and greet those who are brave enough to poke their head round the changing room door at the Eastleigh training ground and he's delighted to show them around.

When his former Charlton team-mate Jerome Thomas popped up unannounced to join Pompey on loan last week, the well-travelled defender was quick to introduce him to the rest of the squad.

Thomas explained: 'Hermann saw me and the first thing he did was put me in a headlock. But that's what I was expecting really.

'He's the crazy one and it's always nice to have someone like that at a club I suppose. He's good for morale.'

Hreidarsson's behaviour would baffle even the brainiest psychiatrist.

Sometimes it's boisterous, other times ludicrous, but he always brightens things up.

Hreidarsson can often be seen escorting team-mates or even club officials around in a trademark headlock.

He'll jokingly threaten a member of the media with physical damage if he doesn't want to answer a particular question.

Or occasionally, he'll just walk around on his hands if he has a few moments to kill.

While this may seem odd to some, let's remember this is the man who came perilously close to taking a tumble from the bus around the city streets at Pompey's FA Cup parade as his exuberant celebrations unfolded.

Even on the stage at Southsea Common, he attempted to shoulder-barge everyone else – including Pompey's directors – into the crowd. That is until Harry Redknapp had a few stern words of advice.

On international duty last season, Hreidarsson broke the collarbone of a coach after attempting to liven up the warm-up with an impromptu rugby tackle.

And as Thomas conducted his first interview since his arrival to the gathered press, Hreidarsson wandered past ominously as he cast an ear towards the new signing's answers.

When he was told that the new signing had just been talking about him, Hreidarsson grinned: 'I hope it's all good.'

Thomas, meanwhile, gave a nervous laugh that suggested he was in for more special treatment as soon as he returned to the dressing room.
Welcome to Pompey, Jerome.