NATHAN Thompson admits he was “deeply hurt” by Swindon Town’s relegation after completing a move to League One side Portsmouth yesterday.

The 26-year-old, whose contract with Town expires at the end of this month, has departed for Fratton Park on a free transfer after undergoing a medical yesterday, signing a two-year-deal at Pompey from July 1.

The former Swindon skipper, who graduated through the club’s academy system, made 185 appearances in all competitions for Town, netting four goals and scooping the Swindon Advertiser Player of the Season award twice.

Portsmouth, who were promoted from League Two last year under then-manager Paul Cook, have beaten off competition from Charlton Athletic, who also tabled a bid for the defender and Swindon’s own offer of a new deal, to secure new manager Kenny Jackett’s first signing of the summer.

Speaking to Portsmouth’s official website, Thompson admits it will be strange to join a new club having spent his whole professional career at the County Ground and concedes he is still devastated by the failures of last season.

“To join a club like Portsmouth, the size of the club and what they have achieved in the past was a huge attraction,” said Thompson.

“It was strange coming to the end of my contract, I’ve been there 14 years, I signed at 12 years old, so it was definitely a strange feeling but to sign for a club of this size feels amazing and I am looking forward now to getting on with the season.

“If you looked at that Swindon squad, they were more than capable of achieving something. I think at the start of the season there was a real belief in the dressing room that we were capable of doing something special.

“As the season went on, I think confidence was affected and ultimately it cost us, which was extremely frustrating. To be captain of that, it hurt me deeply.

“I am a passionate lad and was homegrown, I grew up playing for that team so to see them relegated and go through the trap door was a difficult moment for me.”

Although the mood at Town may be low in the wake of their relegation, Pompey are on the up having successfully won a place back in the third tier.

Thompson admits he turned down other League One clubs to sign on at Fratton Park as he sees no reason why they cannot continue to climb back up the pyramid.

“There were a couple of other offers in this league but I looked at this team and looked at the management and the crowd and the atmosphere, it’s something that’s going in the right direction and I can’t see why with a couple more additions, this team can’t go and get promoted,” said Thompson.

“Portsmouth won the league last season so there is a real feel good factor around the place. It’s exciting to be part of that. I’d love to help this team get back to where they belong.

“With the fanbase, they should be in the Championship or Premier League. To be part of that, I’m excited.”