ACCRINGTON Stanley boss John Coleman believes his new signing Matty Pearson is the perfect fit for the Reds, as Kal Naismith left the Store First Stadium to join Portsmouth.

Versatile Pearson, who can play in defence or midfield, has signed a one-year deal with Stanley after spending last season with Halifax Town in the Conference.

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And Coleman is delighted to have signed the 21-year-old former Blackburn Rovers youngster.

“I signed Matty from Blackburn for Rochdale so I know what I am getting,” said Coleman.

“He is an aggressive, keen, honest and hard-working player who again fits the bill of what we want at this club.

“He is another player who has a chance back in the Football League and will be confident he can take it.”

Pearson is the second arrival at Stanley following defender Tom Smith but Naismith is the latest to leave the Reds.

The forward was offered a new contract to stay at the Store First Stadium but has instead penned a three-year deal with Portsmouth for an undisclosed fee.

The 23-year-old becomes ex-Reds boss Paul Cook’s second summer signing at Fratton Park.

And Naismith is targeting a promotion push with his new club.

He said: “Pompey away was one of the first fixtures I looked out for when I was at Accrington and to play in front of the fans will be an amazing experience.

“It’s brilliant to be here. I was at a massive club before in Rangers and this place has a similar feel to it.

“Just walking around gives me a buzz and I can’t wait to move down here properly and get started.

“I knew that the gaffer liked me, so I always had the move at the back of my mind when he took charge.

“For him to bring me to Pompey is a fantastic opportunity and I’m grateful to have been given a chance by such a big club.

“We should be looking for promotion, really, and I’m sure the gaffer will be trying to add to the strong players we’ve already got in order to achieve that.”

And Naismith admitted the draw of playing in front of big crowds was one of the attractions for making the move south.

He said: “There are a lot of good fan-bases in League Two, but I think our one is by far the best.

“Hopefully I can excite and entertain them with what I do on the ball and they can also be assured that I’ll work hard.”