Portsmouth have made their second and third signings of the summer after they brought in striker Ellis Harrison and defender Paul Downing.
Harrison has signed a three-year deal with the League One side and arrives for an undisclosed fee from Ipswich Town, whilst Downing joins from Blackburn Rovers on a free transfer.
Portsmouth Complete Signings of Ellis Harrison and Paul Downing
✍️ Forward Ellis Harrison has become #Pompey‘s second signing of the summer transfer window
? Welcome to Fratton Park, Ellis pic.twitter.com/l3k0uoAmX8
— Portsmouth FC (@Pompey) June 21, 2019
✍️ And another! Defender Paul Downing becomes #Pompey‘s third summer recruit, signing on a three-year deal
? Welcome to the club, Paul ? pic.twitter.com/Kl2pNCsHhj
— Portsmouth FC (@Pompey) June 21, 2019
Harrison Brings Strength in Attack
Harrison has a decent goalscoring record over the years. The former Wales U21 forward scored 52 goals in just over 200 appearances in a seven-year spell at Bristol Rovers.
During his time with the Gas, he won back to back promotions from the National League to League One.
Despite only moving to Ipswich at the start of last season for £750,000, Harrison only scored once in 17 appearances for the Tractor Boys but has had an injury-hit season.
Assistant manager Joe Gallen told the club’s official website: “We’re really pleased to get Ellis here – he’s someone we’ve kept tabs on for around 18 months now.
“We’ve always liked him as a player. He can fit into our system as a number nine and hold the ball up, win headers and score goals.
“He also brings added mobility to that position and has the right attitude, which is really important for us and fits into our philosophy.
“Ellis has a good record in League One and all the attributes we need. We feel he has the whole package and can add to our squad.
“With the players that we’re starting to bring in, we’re confident that they can make the difference for us in getting out of this league.”
Portsmouth Building From the Back
Harrison arrives at Fratton Park following the signing of right-back James Bolton from Shrewsbury Town.
Kenny Jackett also snapped up Blackburn defender Paul Downing on a free transfer. The 27-year-old will join Pompey on 1 July when his contract with Championship side expires.
The defender told the club’s official website: “I obviously can’t wait to get started – I’m looking forward to meeting the lads next week and get cracking with pre-season.
“I’d like to have a bit of stability in my career and hopefully I can settle in, find a home here and achieve something special.
“The sheer size of Pompey made me want to sign. This is a club with ambition that wants to get out of the division.
Downing’s arrival will be a positive one around Fratton Park after the League One side lost defender Matt Clarke, who joined Brighton & Hove Albion for an undisclosed fee.
The 22-year-old centre-back made a total of 175 appearances – scoring nine goals – during his four seasons with the Blues.
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