Lawrence left it late to agree Blues deal
Liam Lawrence has admitted he was unsure about joining Pompey right up until the final few minutes of the transfer window – but has now pledged to rise to the challenge at his new club.
The Republic of Ireland midfielder agreed a four-year deal while on international duty in Dublin.
But he gave the green light only in the last few moments before the 6pm deadline as Pompey attempted to complete the double signing along with former Stoke team-mate Dave Kitson.
With Marc Wilson already at the Potters as part of the deal, and Kitson with the Blues, Lawrence's transfer was nowhere near as easy as he stood by a fax machine waiting to sign forms while preparing for the Euro 2010 qualifier with Armenia.
At one point in the negotiations, the 28-year-old midfielder was no longer a part of the complex deal but was then back in the picture later in the afternoon.
But while it is refreshing honesty from Lawrence to admit he was in two minds over the transfer, he is now eager to start a new phase of his career.
Lawrence explained: 'I did have to think about it and it took me to the last few minutes of the window closing to do it.
'It's definitely been the best four years of my career at Stoke. But there's a job to be done at Portsmouth and I'm happy to be a part of it.
'I love a challenge, just like I had a challenge when I first went to Sunderland and Stoke.
'I believe Portsmouth are a big club and if the manager and the chief executive are true in what they say, then things will turn around, especially if they can bring in more players on top of me and Kits (Kitson).
'If that happens, they will get out of the mess they are in.'
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Sunday 27 May 2012
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