Conor Shaughnessy has admitted he would rather not be anywhere after committing to Pompey.
The defender has signed a new three-year deal at Fratton Park – despite only arriving at PO4 last summer on a free transfer from Burton.
But the Blues believe the Irishman’s impressive performances during their League One campaign justified the new terms and were keen to tie the 28-year-old down to a more lucrative deal.
Pompey’s decision to add an option for a further 12 months further demonstrates the club’s faith in one of their prized assets. And with the Blues looking to build on last season’s Championship glory, it’s clear all parties were keen to get a deal done.
Speaking to club media after the extension was agreed, Shaughnessy said everything fell into place perfectly.
He said: ‘I am delighted to sign the extension. There is no place I would rather be and continuing my career here is perfect for me right now. I look forward to the coming years at the club.
“Obviously we’re having a great season as a club and talking to everyone (about) where we’re going, the ambitions of the club and everyone – the manager, the director and the players themselves – we’re all going in the right direction and it felt right to do that now and commit to the next three years.”
Shaughnessy started all but one of Pompey’s 46 league games last season as he quickly established himself as a key cog in the Blues’ defence. He also contributed a strangely important goal, his strike against Barnsley on April 16, now legendary at Fratton Park.
Indeed, his last-gasp winner against the Tykes secured Pompey’s promotion back to the Championship and secures the centre-back hero status in these parts.
The Galway man admitted it was a moment he had seen a hundred times since last season. Still, he joked that it’s no longer compulsive viewing for another member of the Shaughnessy family.
The former Leeds and Heart defender added: “We (the players) have had a few months now and I don’t know how many times I’ve seen videos behind the goal and stuff like that.”
“I think my wife at home is a little nervous about me now, because a lot of times she just hears me watching it on the phone.
“But yeah, a great night that I’ll never forget. It was a really big moment for everyone and something we can all be very proud of.