Curtis confirms Pompey switch '“ and is targeting promotion

Ronan Curtis has confirmed he's joining Pompey.
Derry City winger Ronan Curtis. Picture: Lorcan Dohery/presseyeDerry City winger Ronan Curtis. Picture: Lorcan Dohery/presseye
Derry City winger Ronan Curtis. Picture: Lorcan Dohery/presseye

And the Derry City forward is targeting promotion with the Blues next season after being impressed by the club’s ‘unbelievable’ facilities.

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The Republic of Ireland under-21 international was also shown around the club’s Roko training base and was introduced to the players and staff still around. 


Derry City winger Ronan Curtis. Picture: Lorcan Dohery/presseyeDerry City winger Ronan Curtis. Picture: Lorcan Dohery/presseye
Derry City winger Ronan Curtis. Picture: Lorcan Dohery/presseye

He’ll move to Fratton Park on June 8 when the Fifa Transfer Matching System window opens – although he’s still to sign a contract. 


Curtis, who was also wanted by Reading, revealed it’s a dream come true to seal a switch to ‘such a big club’.


And he believes he can help Pompey clinch promotion into the Championship next term. 


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Curtis told the Derry Journal: ‘We got the deal sorted out for June 8. 


‘It’s every young man’s dream to go over and express themselves and do well in English football. 


‘It was unreal when I went to visit the club on Tuesday.


‘The facilities are unbelievable and all the staff and the players I met were all lovely. 


‘It’s such a big club. They’ve had former managers like Harry Redknapp and players like Peter Crouch and Jermain Defoe.


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‘They were in the Premier League a couple of years back so they’re no soft team. 


‘They’re a great, great club and hopefully we can get promotion next year because they were just a few points off getting promotion this year.’


In the meantime, Curtis will continue to represent Derry, who play St Pat’s Athletic tonight. 


The 22-year-old has vowed he’ll keep putting in 100-per-cent effort for Kenny Shiels’ side until his last game.


That’s likely to be at Cork City on June 4.


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Curtis will have a few weeks off until Pompey report back for pre-season at the end of the month.

And he can’t wait to get started.


‘As long as I’m a Derry player, and I’ve told Kenny Shiels and all the staff this, I’ll give 100 per cent. I’ll work my hardest,’ added Curtis. 


‘That’s all I can do and have been doing in the past. 


‘I’m not a Portsmouth player yet.


‘I’m still a Derry player until I sign that contract when I get over there and that’s when I will do my thing for Portsmouth. 


‘I’m focused on the games ahead for Derry.

‘I’ll have a couple of weeks off in June and then I’ll bang out pre-season with Portsmouth and try to do the same for Portsmouth as I did for Derry.’