Keeper coup completed

Portsmouth and Reading have avoided a FA tribunal over Jamie Ashdown, by agreeing on an "undisclosed fee". Although his contract at the Madjeski had expired, by being under the age of 23 the Royals were entitled to compensation for the goalkeeper who made fifteen appearances in six years. Most of his first team experience has come from loan spells at Bournemouth, and most recently Rushden & Diamonds - playing in a promotion winning team in the former, and a relegated team in the latter!

Pompey refused to match Reading's £300,000 valuation of Ashdown, knowing full well that at a FA hearing - planned for Thursday - they could get away with a scandalously low transfer fee. This same trick was used to sign Matthew Taylor, causing then Luton manager Joe Kinnear to vent, "at least Dick Turpin had the decency to wear a mask".

Ashdown has so far only warmed the bench, but is expected to make his competitive debut against Tranmere this evening.