Ertl relishing Pompey challenge after training return

The new-look Blues kicked off at St John’s College pitches as training began.

Skipper Ertl was among nine players who featured for Guy Whittingham’s side last season who are back for another campaign.

The remainder of the 24 players on display consisted of new signings, the development group and two triallists.

Alan McLoughlin joined Guy Whittingham and his first-team staff to put the players through their paces in the 90-minute session.

And Ertl was delighted to be back with Pompey again.

He said: ‘The first day of pre-season is always fun. You get to know each other.

‘We are all going together for a meal tomorrow and there is also the pre-season tour to Colchester, which is very important for building relationships.

‘I do like pre-season. I can pick myself up, I know what my weaknesses are and I can just build up my strengths.

‘It is part of a football life and a really important part.

‘If you don’t do things right in pre-season you can easily pick up an injury and I think every single player should be aware of it.

‘The facilities at St John’s are actually really, really good. I have trained in worse places in England.

‘Yesterday is something I really enjoyed, Portsmouth is a place I like being around.

‘Hopefully this will be the start of a successful season.’