Dunne deal is like Fratton friends reunited
Wednesday, 2nd Jul 2014 21:46 by pompey-fans.com staff

James Dunne is looking to fight off the competition and force his way into Pompey's midfield next season.

And he has revealed he expects to be helped in settling in at Fratton by the fact he has played with a couple of his new team-mates before.

The 24-year-old, recruited last week from Stevenage, told The News: 'I was at Wimbledon when I was a youngster. I was actually a ball boy when Patrick Agyemang was in the first team, although I don’t think he knew me at the time!

‘But then, after I’d left and gone on to Arsenal and Exeter, I was with him again at Stevenage. It’s weird that we’re playing together again at Portsmouth. I hope he doesn’t think I’m following him!

‘I think most people know that he has got a lot of ability and you can’t get the ball off him at times.

‘I know (new Pompey keeper) Paul Jones from my time at Exeter and I know he’s a quality goalkeeper,’ said the midfielder. I’ve also played against a few of the others over the past few years as well.

‘I’ve played against Craig Westcarr a few times when he was at Notts County and Walsall. But you can see there is plenty of quality here and a lot of experience.’

Dunne hopes he can form a new midfield partnership with Danny Hollands - another played he has been on the opposing side to in their respective Exeter and Charlton days.

In other news, Pompey's home Boxing Day clash with AFC Wimbledon has been switched to a 1pm kick-off.