AFC PORTCHESTER boss Dave Carter revealed the full story behind the signing of former Cherry Brett Pitman.

Pitman, who started his career with Cherries, dropped into non-league for the first time with a loan spell at National League Eastleigh.

Released by Bristol Rovers, Pitman became a free agent, and despite Carter’s belief the frontman could still do a job in League Two, the Jersey-born attacker was looking to step out of the professional game in order to complete his UEFA A coaching license.

Pitman’s first appearance at Portchester’s Wicor Recreation Ground came in a charity match between former Portsmouth and Rangers players, in memory of Lee Rigby.

That set the wheels in motion for what initially started as a joke, according to Carter.

He told the Portsmouth News: “I sent a text to some people as a joke saying why can’t we sign Yakubu (who also featured in the match) or Brett Pitman.

“Later I heard rumours that he might be going to Poole, so I thought I’d try my luck.

“You have to set your standards high - though I thought I might be setting them a bit too high here!”

The Daily Echo understands that Poole did make an enquiry into the availability of Bournemouth-based Pitman, but they made their move after Portchester.

A connection in the Portchester ranks allowed Carter to get in contact with the 34-year-old, with midfielder Olly Carter known to share a golf course with Pitman.

Now, the pair will share a football field.

“Olly Searle got hold of Brett through Instagram, they play golf together,” restarted Carter.

“Olly asked if he wouldn’t mind speaking to me. Brett passed on his number and Olly passed it on to me.

“I drove down to see Brett in Bournemouth and sold him the dream, as you do!

“The committee and the coaching staff all played their part, we got a couple of sponsors in.

“Brett’s a very down to earth bloke, he just said ‘I love my football, I just want to play.’

“He could still play League Two standard but can’t because he’s doing his UEFA A coaching badge.

“Brett will be a massive fish in a small pond at Portchester. He will put bums on seats - it’s a massive coup for the club.”