Clark Robertson reveals the truth behind Sunderland transfer rumours and why he snubbed offers for Portsmouth

The Scottish defender was linked with a move to Wearside this summer following his release from Rotherham United, but eventually put pen to paper on a deal at Fratton Park.

Sunderland weren’t the only side credited with an interest in Robertson either, with Aberdeen and Hapoel Jerusalem also thought to be keen on a move.

So what was the truth behind the situation?

“Sunderland had a bit of interest but it didn’t get to the stage of anything happening,” explained the centre back, speaking to the Daily Record.

"I’d always thought of playing abroad and we did get quite far down the line with Hapoel Jerusalem.

“That might be an idea in a couple of years time. There was an offer from Poland too.

“But Portsmouth are a big club with a great fan base.

"I scored at Fratton Park a few years ago for Blackpool. The atmosphere is always great there and hopefully fans can be back.

“While this League One could be the toughest since I’ve been in England, our aim is definitely to get into the Championship.

“Coming to my peak years I want to get back playing at the highest level I can.”

Robertson also revealed how an online presentation from Portsmouth manager Danny Cowley led him to snub offers from elsewhere and pledge his future to the south coast side.

"I was absolutely buzzing after the manager put on a presentation over Zoom to me,” he said.

"The detail was very in-depth, all about how Portsmouth were going to play.

“And in there were clips of me playing at Rotherham and Blackpool, showing how what I do fits perfectly into that style.

“It made me feel wanted after I had a difficult season. The last 18 months have been stop-start.

“So for a manager to show how much he wants you and wants to give you an opportunity, that made my mind up.

“To see he’d put a plan in place for me that will get me back to my best and playing every week was really impressive.

“He understands what I can bring to a team, he wants to play out from the back which I enjoy and it suits my game. I can only imagine everything he does will be in great detail so I’m really looking forward to the next couple of years.”

Aberdeen were one of the club’s seriously keen on Robertson, but he said a desire to return to the Championship made the decision to join Portsmouth an easy one.

“I definitely want to get back to the Championship,” he said.

“It’s such a competitive league and coming back to Scotland might have killed off the chance of playing there again.

“I missed half of last season with injury so I didn’t get to play in the league as much as I’d have liked. So it’s something I want to do again.

“Going to Portsmouth, I’m only one step away from the Championship again.”

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