FORMER Town defender Joe Devera has agreed to join Portsmouth on a two-year deal.

Devera was one of five players released by the Robins last week after making 66 appearances during his two seasons at the County Ground, and the Advertiser understands Town had an option to extend his contract for a further year which they declined to take.

He will move to Fratton Park from July 1, and is looking forward to helping the former Premier League club as they bid for an instant return to League One after suffering relegation.

Devera said: “Pompey had problems and were in administration last season. But they did well under the circumstances and finished the season strongly,” he said.

“I don’t really look at coming here as dropping down a league because they are a really big club and can fight their way back.”