The Insider: Drew Talbot

And importantly for Portsmouth – he knows how to get out of League Two.

Drew has won the league twice with Chesterfield and he has a promotion under his belt with Sheffield Wednesday.

One thing’s for sure, his commitment has never been in question in his time at Chesterfield.

I know it surprised a lot of people when it was announced he was leaving the Proact Stadium at the end of last season.

It’s wasn’t because his legs have gone either – he’s still just 29.

Drew is a very versatile player who can do a job in a number of positions.

I’m sure he will have a pretty comfortable season if he plays at full-back in League Two.

I definitely can’t see him having any problems there for Portsmouth.

He’s been converted from a striker, to right-winger, right wing-back and now right-back.

He can also play centre-midfield and at left-back – and do a good job there. That’s how versatile he is.

These days he’s predominantly a right-back or plays on the right wing.

Drew is a good man to 
have in your squad, that’s for sure.

He’s very, very experienced, too.

Drew has played around 250 games for Chesterfield and was here a long time.

In fact, the time spans seven-and-a-half seasons and he can really count himself unfortunate not to have been given a testimonial season.

There was a real outpouring of emotion from the fans when it was announced he was leaving.

He had become really ingrained in the family aspect of the club.

Drew’s family were known around the place and he was very popular.

His performances last season were good, although, there was one game where his form dipped.

He was playing right-back, having a difficult time and was moved into the middle.

But he came back really strongly at the end of the season and was really solid.

He was actually playing left-back and doing really well there.

Drew is a quiet lad and not particularly outspoken – but he was a hugely-popular figure with the supporters.

When someone has been around for that length of time, is not letting anyone down and still doing a job, that’s always going to be the case.

I’ve no doubt he will go to Portsmouth and do a good job there.