Portsmouth winger reveals late deadline drama as former West Ham United and Lincoln City man lifts lid on Fratton pain

And the winger has told how potential moves for him collapsed before he sealed a deadline day move to Colchester at the 11th hour.

Scully finally agreed a season-long loan switch to Essex which was confirmed 25 minutes after last Friday’s 11pm cut-off point.

The 25-year-old’s move ends a difficult stay at Pompey, but the Republic of Ireland is now hopeful better days lie ahead in League Two under former Blues boss Danny Cowley.

Scully told Colchester’s YouTube channel: ‘It was a late one. It was round about 10 o’clock and I was speaking to (former sporting director) Dimtri (Halajko) who was here.

‘A couple of moves which were supposed to happen didn’t materialise, and I really wanted to get out and play football.

‘So I spoke with Dimitri and he spoke with the management team here. Within half an hour it was all pretty much done.

‘I was delighted to get it done. I’ve heard great things about the management team here and when I spoke to the gaffer he just filled me with so much confidence to get back playing - that’s what I can’t wait to do.’

Scully endured an injury-hit time at Fratton Park since arriving from Wigan last year, with a serious knee injury last year followed by an ankle issue at the end of the campaign.

That limited the former West Ham and Lincoln man to just nine appearances, with there high hopes for what he could achieve when his signing was announced

Scully added: ‘It’s been a tough couple of years and I don’t shy away from that.

‘I’ve had injuries and other bits and bobs, but I’m here now and I’m really delighted.

‘I was desperate to get out playing football and I’m thankful for the management team to give me the opportunity to come back here, get myself back playing again and be happy.

‘I know quite a lot of the boys here as well and speaking to them they were all really positive about the club. I’m delighted to be here.

‘It was a great feeling to know you’re going to a club where the manager really likes you.

‘I ended up going to Lincoln a few years ago and missed out on the manager, but he told me there was potential for them to look at me even when he was manager.

‘It’s good to be at a club where the manager likes you and I’m really pleased to be here.’