Legend's frustration as Eastwood inks Rovers deal

Simon Eastwood has completed his switch to Blackburn

But the Pompey goalkeeping coach believes the Blues have got a more-than-capable replacement in John Sullivan.

Eastwood yesterday completed his anticipated move to Ewood Park, sealing a two-year deal with Rovers.

That means he will be battling for a first-team spot with ex-England international Paul Robinson and young talent Jake Kean, under former Pompey goalkeeping coach John Keeley.

Knight says it is frustrating to see Eastwood depart after he had looked set to sign a new deal for Pompey.

But he holds no grudges with the 23-year-old.

Knight said: ‘Easty had decided to try his luck at Blackburn.

‘Everyone will have their points of view about it. You can’t blame him for it, though.

‘He has to think about his family and it’s an opportunity for him. Who’s to say what could open up for him?

‘I was disappointed, though.

‘I wanted to keep the group together with Phil Smith and Easty. They had both impressed me in training.’

Ex-Pompey keeper Knight feels the Blues have landed a good alternative in Sullivan, however.

He said: ‘There was no use moaning about it. You have to move on. We worked quickly to get in another good keeper in John Sullivan. It shows the way Guy, Awfs and Steve Allen had worked hard to cover ourselves.

‘We worked hard on possible signings before the end of the season in case certain things happened.

‘Something did in Simon’s case and we were able to move quickly to cover the position.’

After his move yesterday, Eastwood tweeted: ‘Want to thank everyone at Portsmouth for my time there, especially the fans! Loved every minute.’