“He advised me to sign up with Portsmouth, despite being a fan of the team!” – Former Ipswich player reflects on guidance from a well-known former player for Portsmouth.

The renowned forward netted 25 goals in 122 matches for the Blues.

The endorsement of Pompey from the source was expectedly positive, but Lee Evans suspected a touch of bias. Considering Conor Chaplin’s enthusiastic nature, it was obvious his reaction to a potential move to Fratton Park would be quite animated.

The former beloved Blues player, who had a notable stint of 122 appearances and 25 goals after rising through the ranks, didn’t hide his devotion to the club. When Evans sought insight from his former Ipswich teammate while contemplating a move to the south coast, it was only natural. And Chaplin, a die-hard Pompey fan, wholeheartedly endorsed Evans’ decision to join the League One leaders until the season’s end.

Evans shared, “I mentioned the interest to Chappers, and his excitement was palpable. He spoke of the electric atmosphere, the club’s stature – things I already knew but appreciated hearing from a fellow enthusiast.” Chaplin’s passion for the club was evident, given his own journey through its ranks and desire for its success.

Evans continued, “We all knew he was a Pompey fan in the dressing room. With their recent success, his enthusiasm has been even more noticeable.” Meanwhile, Chaplin continued his impressive form for Ipswich, recently notching his 50th goal since joining in 2021 and positioning his team favorably in the Championship for a shot at Premier League promotion.

Evans remarked, “Chappers is on fire. Another goal on Tuesday night, another crucial win. I’m rooting for him and the team to secure that promotion. His dedication on the training ground is paying off handsomely on match days.”