Michael Doyle impressed by the Pompey queue

The new midfielder spotted the queue for season tickets stretching down Frogmore Road as supporters paid up to be book their seat for next season.

So far, the club have sold 10,700 season tickets and expect that number to increase before the start of the campaign.

And although Doyle has played at Fratton Park several times in his career, he admitted that the support was real pull for his move south.

Doyle said: ‘I was there on Saturday, I looked out of the window and the queues were ridiculous.

‘There are people queuing down the road for season tickets and it goes to show what the club is all about.

‘I’ve played here a lot of times in my career and it’s obviously a great club but the fanbase and where they have been before is a big attraction for any player to come and play here.

‘It’s a massive opportunity to play for a massive club to try to get them back up through the divisions.’

Doyle also revealed that Blues boss Paul Cook did not hang around in registering his interest.

The Irishman said: ‘Once the news came out that I was leaving Sheffield United, he (Cook) was the first person on the phone.

‘I made my mind up quickly that I wanted to come here and I told them right away.

‘So I’m delighted to sign.’