Why Portsmouth new boy turned down rival Championship interest to move to Fratton Park
The Dundalk arrival and Northern Ireland under-21 international explains why Fratton Park was the place for him, as clubs pursued his signature this summer.
Eoin Kenny admitted the chance to become part of Pompey’s deeply-ingrained football culture proved too good to turn down.
And the Blues new boy explained the opportunity to play in Fratton Park’s ‘unique’ environment was a huge draw, as he rejected Championship opportunities and interest elsewhere to link up with John Mousinho’s men.
Eoin Kenny: ‘Everywhere you go people are talking about the football club, that's the sort of culture you want’
Kenny was confirmed as Pompey’s second summer signing this week, arriving from League of Ireland side Dundalk on a three-year deal.
The 20-year-old attacker is expected to compete for playing time immediately, despite making the significant step up to the English second tier.
There’s real anticipation from the Northern Ireland under-21 international about being given the opportunity to do that, with Kenny excited to feel what it’s like to be part of a passionate football city.
He said: ‘It's been a bit hectic, but this is what I wanted and I'm glad it's all sorted.
'I heard there was a bit of interest and then, when I heard Portsmouth were in, I had a call with the manager and the sporting director.
‘After that, I just really wanted to get it done - and get it done as soon as possible.
‘Once I heard Portsmouth were in the size of the club, the level they play at, the history of the club and and the type of football place it is, that's where I wanted to go
‘The project motivated me as well. It was an easy decision in the end.
‘I spoke to a lot of people about it before I came here. The one thing everyone said is that it's the city itself, the club's embedded into the city.
‘The people are massive Portsmouth fans. It's the only club and everyone supports them.
‘Everywhere you go people are talking about the football club, that's the sort of culture you want. It’s just a real football culture.
'I've never been to Fratton Park, but I've seen all the videos and it seems a real passionate stadium.
‘The fans are on top of the pitch, the opportunity to play somewhere like that is very exciting.
‘Obviously, I played in in front of big crowds before, but that would be unique. That’s why I wanted to be here.’
Kenny’s challenge will be to negotiate the sizable step up to the level of football he will now operate at, but the versatile operator looks more ready for that challenge than many players his age.
Despite being just 20, he’s already racked up 106 senior appearances - returning a mightily impressive 25 goals and 15 assists in that time.
Kenny added: ‘I'm not sure exactly, but I must have played more than 100 games.
‘I was playing senior football from the age of 17. So, obviously, the level will be new to me and the level of fanbase, of course.
‘The stadiums will be bigger and busier, but the senior football side won't be new to me, hopefully that stands me in good stead.
‘Now in pre-season, the goal is to just get the grips with it all. I know it's boring, but I just want to improve every day, you know, and train.
‘But the ambition has to be to play a role, to be as big a part as I can in the season and help the football club win matches. That's always going to be the goal.’