Royals. In the summer of 2004 Ashdown declined Reading's offer of a new contract and instead signed for Premier League club Portsmouth before the start of the 2004–05 season to provide competition for Shaka Hislop, with a view to replacing the veteran on his retirement. Because he was under 23 at the time, Ashdown was subjected of a compensation as a result of him moving to the club. Eventually, the agreement was both reached for both sides. Loan Spells In March 2001, Ashdown was loaned out to Gravesend & Northfleet for a month. A year later, he joined Arsenal for work experience placement for the rest of the 2001–02 season. Despite not being used in the first team, Ashdown said: "I'm still learning the game, but I'm ready to take that step up if the opportunity arises. I played five games for Arsenal reserves and did work with Bob Wilson and David Seaman nearly every day. It was all about gaining experience and playing football at that level and it has been a great help to my confidence." At the start of the 2002–03 season, Ashdown joined Bournemouth on a one-month loan. Ashdown made his debut for Bournemouth, starting the whole game, in a 1–1 draw against Oxford United on 27 August 2002. Following a 1–0 win against Macclesfield Town four days later, he suffered an injury and this resulted in him returning to his parent club. It was announced on 13 November 2003 when Ashdown joined Rushden & Diamonds on a one month loan deal. He made his debut for the club two days later on 15 November 2003, in a 2–1 loss against Hartlepool United. Since making his debut for Rushden & Diamonds, Ashdown quickly became the club's first choice goalkeeper and made an impression for the side, resulting in him "earning several ‘Player of the month’ awards". This lasted until Ashdown was recalled by his parent club in March. During his stay at Rushden & Diamonds, he kept four clean sheets out of the nineteen appearances he made. Portsmouth Ashdown started his first season at Portsmouth as substitute goalkeeper but gained a starting place after an injury to Hislop. On 20 November 2004, he made his debut for the club, in a 3–1 loss against Manchester City. Ashdown started in the next five matches for Portsmouth before suffering a groin injury that kept him out for a