Defender didn't need to speak to Appy over return

Dickinson was so keen to turn out for the Blues again that he felt no need to consult the boss before joining on a month’s deal from Watford.

The 25-year-old made his second debut for the club in the 2-1 defeat to Stevenage on Tuesday night.

Dickinson delivered a solid performance at the Lamex Stadium from his left-back berth.

A move to Fratton Park emerged for the former Stoke man after his chances became limited at Vicarage Road under Gianfranco Zola.

Dickinson jumped at the opportunity, branding the move to the club he has already made 39 appearances for a ‘no-brainer’.

He said: ‘I didn’t even speak to the manager!

‘To be honest, as soon as the call came in that I wasn’t wanted I was here.

‘It was a case of “yeah, I want to play some games, so let’s do it”.

‘It was a no-brainer. I wasn’t playing football and I was wanted here.

‘Even when I haven’t been here, I’ve been looking out for Portsmouth’s results.’

Dickinson explained he has been closely following Pompey’s progress since his first period at the club in the 2010-11 campaign.

He has seen how the club have suffered more troubles and has been told of what has been happening by friends still at the club.

But Dickinson believes the side he has joined is showing signs of settling.

He said: ‘I still have a lot of friends here.

‘At the start of the season it was one player in, one player out.

‘But it seems there is more of a settled side now.

‘The results will come because there are a good set of lads here.’

Dickinson the period he had at Fratton Park under Steve Cotterill played a big part in him in returning.

He enjoyed that experience and felt at home, playing in front of supporters he regards as among the best.

Dickinson said: ‘I loved it here last time.

‘The fans are brilliant and up there with the best I’ve seen.’