Hermann: I always wanted to stay
Pompey are without a manager, effectively without an owner and are currently drifting through due diligence limbo. But there's nowhere Hermann Hreidarsson would rather be.
He had his chances to flee the south coast, no question, with more than nine clubs offering an escape route.
Not that the veteran defender was interested in deserting his Fratton Park home for the past two years.
Hreidarsson didn't even bother holding talks with a wealth of clubs including Sunderland, Newcastle, West Brom, Middlesbrough and Wolves.
Instead this week he verbally agreed a fresh 12-month deal to remain precisely where he was.
What's more, the lucrative promise of an additional year on top should he make a specified number of appearances could keep him at Pompey even longer.
With Hreidarsson currently back at home in his native Iceland, he will formally pen his new contract in the next few days.
And he's delighted his future is finally decided, even if all around him at Fratton Park is not quite so settled.
He told The News: 'It was never really a doubt or anything – I always intended to stay.
'I have had a couple of great years here, the fans have been fantastic, my family loves it so we wanted to remain here on the south coast.
'There was quite a bit of interest, which I was pleased about for a mad 35-year-old.
'I did have some good offers and I was shocked. It's a boost for your ego though, I like that, it pleases me greatly.
'I wasn't interested though, it didn't matter to me. Why should it? I wanted to stay at Pompey.
'The contract has been there for a little while but I was going to wait until they appointed a manager.
'It was important to me to see if the manager would be happy having me here, if he wanted me to stay with him at this football club.
'You never know – although I am sure he will once I have shown him the ways of Hermann!
'The situation at the club (the takeover) has been going for a while and I was waiting for something concrete to happen. It was not to be and it was time for me to stop waiting and sign.
'I have no idea who will be manager. If it's Paul Hart I will be pleased with that because I know him. Otherwise we'll just have to see.
'I've enjoyed it here and it's a very good compliment the club wants to keep me around for a bit longer.
'I think I have a really good connection with the fans and was always keen to continue.'
With his existing contract expiring on June 30, Hreidarsson also attracted interest from Rangers and Celtic as well as several Turkish clubs.
Yet it was remaining at Pompey which proved to be the irresistible pull.
With 69 games for the Blues – and six goals – he has established himself as a cult figure, adored by the Fratton faithful in recognition of his all-action displays.
Now the Iceland international – who turns 35 next month – cannot wait for the start of pre-season training on July 8.
He added: 'I am excited about us getting a new owner, I think everyone is.
'If it comes through I am sure he will pump a lot of money into the club and get some players in. I am sure these will be exciting times.
'We ended the season well by staying up and now we want to build on that.'
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Weather for Portsmouth
Friday 10 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -3 C to 4 C
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Sunny
Temperature: -4 C to 2 C
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