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Spine of players needed by Posh

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With eight Peterborough United players being told on Monday that they are no longer in Darren Fergusons plans for next season and with a number of other players leaving after their contract expired, Fergie outlines the areas he is looking to strengthen.

GOALKEEPERS

Joe Lewis has left now his contract has expired while nothing has been agreed with Paul Jones [pictured below], whose contract also runs out this summer.





Darren Ferguson was coy over what is happening with Jones but all he would say was “Watch this space”!

At the moment, Posh and Jones have yet to agree anything which has left Fergie with no choice but to look at other options. Fergie confirmed “I`ve identified someone”.

DEFENDERS

Mark Little was a surprise name to some when the player list was released. He started the season in excellent form until he was hit by injury. The marauding right-back lost his place to Craig Alcock who was signed last summer from Yeovil and who has been a big hit with both the team and fans.

Little has only played a bit part since his return and he hasn`t looked the same player he was before his injury.

A right back to challenge Alcock is an area Fergie wants to strengthen.

If Fergie wants competition at right back, what about left back?

“Tommy Rowe has had an outstanding season and done well at left back. He`s played against very good wingers in players like Kebe.” commented Ferguson.

“I`m not looking to bring in a left back” he continued.

So no cover for left back although as we have seen from this season, Alcock can play in this position if required.

MIDFIELDERS

Possibly the biggest surprise on the player list was skipper Grant McCann.





Ferguson said: “Grant`s only got a year left [on his contract] and I`ve identified two players for the position.

“We`re not close to signing anyone, it`s ongoing at the moment”.

Age maybe another factor in McCann being on the list as Fergie commented on not only McCann`s age (32) but also Boyd`s age (26)!

According to a recent Q&A with Posh Chairman Darragh MacAnthony on www.londonroad.net, George Boyd`s agent has refused to sit down with Posh to discuss a new contract which is why Posh have placed him on the transfer list.

“We didn`t even get chance to sit down and actually thrash out a new deal as the agent made it clear Boydy wasn`t going to sign a new contract. I am going to miss Boydy, has been a legend for our club & an amazing young man off the field.” answered MacAnthony.

With Boyd possibly leaving before the start of next season, it could mean a big year for both Danny Kearns and Joe Newell.

FORWARDS

It is already known that this seasons top scorer for Posh, Paul Taylor, is another player with a year left on his contract and who is not going to sign a new deal with the club. He has been placed on the transfer list and there is a long list of admirers so it is expected he will move on assuming Posh receive an acceptable offer.

David Ball [pictured below] is the other forward placed on the list. He has only played a bit part since his arrival from Manchester City and although it is obvious to everyone he knows where the back of the net is, he appears to be out of favour with Ferguson. Apart from his goalscoring prowess, he doesn`t offer anything else to the team which is possibly why Fergie has made this decision.





Commenting on the forward situation, Ferguson said: “We need one or two forwards depending on who goes”.

If both Taylor and Ball do depart London Road, Posh will be left with the incoming Tyrone Barnett [pictured below] and Emile Sinclair. Lee Tomlin can also play on the front line as well as in midfield which provides another option for Ferguson.





Ferguson confirmed that they are sticking with their tried and trusted policy of bringing in young and hungry players but at the same time he wants strength in depth.

With the potential departures of McCann and Boyd, it should free up a fair bit in wages currently being paid.

Three bodies have been prioritised and these have been backed by the chairman. It is not known if Barnett and Brisley are two of these three players or not!

However, before Posh can get even more people in apart from the three prioritised players, other players must be moved out.

It certainly looks like it`s going to be an interesting summer of comings and goings. Barry Fry has got his work cut out again but as in previous years, I`m sure he`ll do brilliant business for the club.

UP THE POSH!



twitter Follow me on Twitter: @mwl1967

Photos courtesy of www.theposhpics.com

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