TWTD understands that released Blues midfielder or defender Gunnar Thorsteinsson is set to join Hermann Hreidarsson’s club ÍBV back in his native Iceland. Thorsteinsson was one of five Town players told he would not be offered a contract at the end of the season earlier in the week.

The 19-year-old is set to sign a two-year contract with the club where his father, Thorsteinn Gunnarsson, was a goalkeeper and where he was previously a youth player.

Ex-Blue Hreidarsson took over as manager at ÍBV, his local club where he played early in his career, in September last year.

The 38-year-old, who recently added his former Portsmouth team-mate David James to his squad, will be back playing at Pompey later this month when Thorsteinsson could make his first appearance for his nwe club.

ÍBV are at Fratton Park on Tuesday 16th April (7.45pm) to play in a fundraising friendly for the Pompey Supporters’ Trust, who are in the process of taking control of their club, a cause Hreidarsson backs: “The fans deserve better than what they have endured — it’s they who are the real tradition and history of Portsmouth Football Club.

“So it’s my privilege to play this very small part in helping them to effectively run their own club.

“If they get the chance, then the club will be run properly by people who care — and I think it’s rightfully theirs.

“Traditionally, football clubs are the property of money men. And other clubs — not just Pompey — are realising that is not always the correct or only way.

“If your heart is not in the club, then how can you care about it? Part of my heart will always remain at Fratton Park, where my abiding memory will be how special the fans were — and are — to me.”

Hermann plans to play in the game: “I will be registered as a player for ÍBV for the new season, which starts in May, to cover for suspensions and injuries, so I will be playing for sure.

“I’m really looking forward to it. I now have a manager who appreciates my full potential as a striker!”

Meanwhile, the Blues are amongst a number of British clubs understood to have watched another Icelander, 20-year-old centre-half Hordur Bjorgvin Magnusson.

The U21 international is expected to be sent out on loan by Italian giants Juventus next season in order to gain first team experience.

Photo: Action Images

WeirdFishes added 12:13 - Apr 5 Hordur Bjorgvin Magnusson - that's a name I'd like to hear Mick Mills try to pronounce
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HarryfromBath added 12:13 - Apr 5 That is a very funny line about Hermann's potential as a striker! He was prolific for us (in today's terms). I think he managed three. :-)
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Marcus added 12:18 - Apr 5 @alexharban "Hoarder Magnum"?
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wkj added 13:22 - Apr 5 I think we will possibly regret losing Gunnar; good luck to the lad
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TractorCam added 14:40 - Apr 5 Haha, love it how his dad is called "Thorsteinn Gunnarsson" so just thought he'd name his son "Gunnar Thorsteinnson. That's brilliant!
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TractorCam added 14:42 - Apr 5 And ex england keeper David James also plays for IBV
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algarvefan added 14:43 - Apr 5 Loved Hermann and his marauding runs down the wing......epic !
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CanadianBlue added 16:59 - Apr 5 All the best to Thorsteinsson and Hreidarsson, hope to be hearing of the Icelandic giants dominating the Champions League in a few seasons!
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Moscow_Blue added 19:19 - Apr 5 Absolutely all the best Gunnar. We have something invested in you and you have every chance as you are going to work with a top bloke in Hermann. Best regards to your parents who we met at Playford Road a couple of years ago when we decided to sponsor you. The only advice I can give (and what do I know?) is to continue to work on your pace.
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