Jason Prior turned down south coast giants Portsmouth to sign for Dartford this week.

Pompey were interested in signing the 24-year-old striker, who was born in the city and spent three years playing for Moneyfields – less than two miles from Fratton Park.

The chance to play for the 2008 FA Cup winners still remains a dream for Prior but after an injury-ravaged 18 months, playing regularly for the Darts held greater appeal.

He said: “There were a few deals in the pipeline at League 2 clubs.

“There was the option to go to Portsmouth but when I was weighing everything up, with the players they’ve got there already in my position, it didn’t look like somewhere I could get 30 or 40 games under my belt.

“That’s what I need next year, for my fitness and for my confidence.

“I’d love to play for Portsmouth but all things considered, with the players they’ve got and the situation I’m in - having such a big chunk out of the game - I need to get back playing regularly.”

Read the full interview in the Dartford Messenger.