Pompey's newest signing can't wait to play at Fratton Park - and take his dogs to the seaside.

Defender Josh Knight joined from Hannover 96 last week to add stiff competition to a part of the squad where Pompey are already reasonably well-stocked.

The 27-year-old will be out to displace Regan Poole or Conor Shaughnessy, with Hayden Matthews and Ibane Bowat also looking for starts in front of Nico Schmid.

And Knight suggested thar Pompey's coastal location was a factor in him deciding to move his family here.

Knight told the Pompey website: 'I’m absolutely delighted. This is a new chapter for me and my family, so I can’t wait to get going. It’s been tough because I’ve had to move my whole life back to England and the commute was a difficult one.

'But this is a big and ambitious club that’s moving in the right direction – you’d be stupid to not want to be here. The style of play is one of the reasons that attracted me and the gaffer showed me how I fit into his plans. But there is also the fanbase here and I know just how difficult it can be to come and play at Fratton Park.'

Knight said of his Hannover 96 spell: 'I loved my time in Germany. It was something different for me and the fans were amazing. The place will always be part of my life because my son was born there.

'I scored a last-minute equaliser in the derby, which made me a bit of a hero, and I have nothing but good things to say about Hannover. But this move is right for my family and I’ve never lived by the beach before, so I’m looking forward to getting settled in and taking the dogs to the sea!'

Fans will wait to see whether Knight gets a start or is on the bench when Preston visit Fratton on Saturday.

Photo: Action Images

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