Gary O'Neil

[jimmylibel]

Obviously we didn't follow up our interest...

 

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Gary O'Neil claims the prospect of leaving Portsmouth never crossed his mind, having signed a bumper new deal on Tuesday.

 

The tenacious midfielder has signed a five-year deal at Fratton Park, following a fine effort in Pompey colours last season.

 

Portsmouth chief Harry Redknapp is armed with a sizeable transfer kitty and is likely to bring in a raft of new faces this summer but O'Neil, who became the youngest Pompey debutant ever in January 2000, never considered moving on from the South Coast.

 

"It is great to finally get it done," O'Neil told Sky Sports News after signing a five-year deal. "As soon as the deal was put down I knew this was where I wanted to be and it was nice to finally put pen-to-paper.

 

"There were no other offers, just rumours. I have always been under contract here and there has been no contact from other clubs.

 

"I knew I wanted to stay here."

 

With new blood set to be brought in to beef up the squad, O'Neil feels Pompey can climb the table next term.

 

"We had a good end to the season and hopefully we can build on it next season," he added.

 

"The club is obviously moving forward, lots of players have been linked with us this summer, there is new investment upstairs and Harry is trying to get some top players in and push us into the top half of the table."

 

O'Neil is happy with his own form and is looking forward to a positive showing in the new campaign.

 

"It was my best season to date but hopefully the next one is going to be even better," he added. "I scored a few goals but hopefully next year I can get into double figures."

 

Commenting on the possibility of new faces arriving at Fratton Park, O'Neil added: "I'd expect fireworks.

 

"It's no secret Harry likes to bring in players; we need as many players as possible. It is a long season, 38 games.

 

"I don't want another season like last year, I hope we can bring in some good players and blend them with ones we've already got and we can finish in the top half."