Portsmouth 'the only place I wanted to go' - Bailey

New Portsmouth arrival Odin Bailey says joining Portsmouth was always his first choice once he was aware of the club's interest.

The midfielder signed a three-year contract with the Championship club after leaving League One Stockport at the end of last season following their play-off final defeat by Bolton Wanderers.

The 26-year-old started his career with Birmingham City and made his senior debut in a 3-0 Carabao Cup defeat by Pompey in August 2019.

"It's a club I've always looked out for. It's one I made my debut against so I've always had a little glance at how they're doing, so to actually be here and be a part of it is a really proud moment for me and my family," Bailey told BBC Radio Solent.

"I heard about the interest towards the back end of last season, my agent told me but as a player you're trying to get promoted so I wasn't thinking too much about it and just knew if I continued in the form I was in, the rest would take care of itself.

"As soon as things got more serious there was only one place I wanted to go and that was Portsmouth."

Bailey became a free agent in the summer when he was released by Stockport having made more than 100 league appearances for the Hatters and helped them win the League Two title in 2024.

"It's very stressful (being a free agent) and it's the first time it's happened in my career," he added.

"It's quite hard that you're playing games and focused on what you're trying to achieve in the season but also if you pick up an injury, it's going to impact you massively.

"These things subconsciously play on your mind so it's been a massive learning curve for me about how to deal with those situations and manage your thoughts and emotions."

Listen to more Portsmouth interviews and content on BBC Sounds.