D-Day Looms Over Player Futures

Peterborough United manager Darren Ferguson is set for talks with his squad on Monday [30th April] as he is set to reveal who is in his plans for next season.

With the successful season over and their Championship status confirmed for next season, Posh boss Ferguson will spell out to his players before they depart for their well earned rest over the summer, who should be looking elsewhere.

Vital Posh looks at the current Posh squad to cast their eye over who should stay and who should go:

GOALKEEPERS

1. Joe Lewis - Go

Well documented that he is to depart London Road. He`s done well in his time at Posh with three promotions although his final season was very hit and miss with some supporters glad to see him depart.

28. Paul Jones - Go

Joined on loan at the back end of last season, he was forced into the Posh team in the play-off first leg at MK Dons when Lewis suffered a serious knee injury sustained following a clash with fellow Posh player Charlie Lee. His first 45 minutes for the club was a disaster as he conceded a goal early into coming on.

He`s played the majority of this season but, just like Lewis, has been very hit and miss and has his obvious flaws. He`s refused to sign a new contract as he probably suspects a new keeper brought in by Fergie this summer will be Posh`s 1st choice keeper.

Vital Posh View:

This is an area Posh must improve upon next season as a decent keeper can win you numerous points throughout the season.

DEFENDERS

2. Mark Little - Stay

He should be 2nd choice right back for Posh with Craig Alcock making this position his own. Little is better going forward than Alcock, but lacks the defensive ability that Alcock has.

5. Gaby Zakuani - Stay

A colossus this season and has played through the pain barrier with all the injuries he`s had throughout this season. He`s not great with the ball at his feet but he makes up for this with his determination and battling ability.

14. Tommy Rowe - Stay

Started the season on the left side of the midfield diamond but dropped back into the left back position midway through the season. Had more better games than he does poor and offers a good attacking alternative.

18. Shaun Brisley - Stay

Signed on loan from Macclesfield Town with a view to signing permanently at the end of the season. Had an impressive debut although he has made the odd mistake since. A good replacement for Ryan Bennett and has potential to improve.

27. Craig Alcock - Stay

Signed during the summer from Yeovil, he has made the step up to the Championship easily and has played in many positions for Posh this season - left back, right back, centre back and even midfield! He has excelled in every position and must`ve been in many peoples minds for Player of the Season.

29. Kgosi Ntlhe - Stay

Made his debut in the penultimate match of the season before making his first away appearance at Derby in the weekend 1-1 draw. Only 18-years-old who has shown he has potential to grow into the Posh first team next season.

Vital Posh View:

Posh must get more bodies in as this is an area that Posh have struggled with this season. Nat Knight-Percival is coming in from non-League Wrexham but this is the first season he has played as a centre-back!

Posh really need another left-back and possibly a slightly more experienced centre back.

MIDFIELDERS

8. Lee Tomlin - Stay

Tomlin can be used as either a midfielder or forward and when he`s on form, he is excellent. Unfortunately this season, he hasn`t lived up to his potential. Hopefully with the likely departues of Boyd and Taylor, Tomlin will step up to the plate and show everyone the potential he does have at this level.

10. George Boyd - Go

He`s been excellent while he`s been at Posh and has seen three promotions in his time at Posh. Not been at his best this season but that may be down to playing at the top of the midfield diamond. He has one season left on his contract but has informed Posh he won`t be signing a new contract. He`s been a good servant to the club but it`ll be good for both parties that he now moves on.

11. Grant McCann - Stay

Skipper McCann started the season in excellent form but his form suffered after he returned from injury - too early in many peoples minds. He has an excellent left peg but the diamond formation isn`t the best formation for his skills.

17. Joe Newell - Stay

Youngster Newell has impressed many people with his brief appearances this season. Showed good composure when on the ball and scored his first senior goal away at Leeds United a couple of weeks ago. Touted by Fergie as the long-term replacement for Boyd.

21. Danny Kearns - Stay

Signed on a permanent deal once the Irish League season had finished and has been in the fringes of the first team since. He has shown a lot of skill and willingness to chase down the opposition. He should show his best form once he`s had a rest and a good pre-season.

23. Lee Frecklington - Go

Tough one to call. Wasn`t in Fergie`s plans for this season and was placed on the transfer list until he had an outstanding pre-season where he was arguably the best player in the squad. He played himself into Fergie`s plans and started the season as a first choice midfielder. The early season form of the midfield was better than everyone expected but tailed off after many midfielders, including Frecks, picked up injuries mid-way through the season. Frecklington didn`t look the same player on his return and could well be looking for a new club during the summer.

Vital Posh view:

With Boyd potentially on his way out (if a bid big enough comes into the club), and Frecks deemed not good enough, Posh are very lightweight in this department. A few new players are needed to bolster the midfield for next season.

FORWARDS

9. David Ball - Go

Looked like he was playing for his future when he came on against Derby. Quality goal but doesn`t offer the team anything else. He may be lucky to get a stay of execution if Paul Taylor moves on but he needs to perform as well as he did against Derby on a regular basis.

12. Emile Sinclair - Stay

His pace causes the opposition no end of problems and is a useful man to have in your locker when needed towards the end of games when players are tiring. Scored double figures in his first season in the Championship which isn`t bad for a converted winger. Just wish he could head the ball!

20. Tyrone Barnett - Stay

Signed on loan in January with a view to a £1.1m transfer, Barnett looked every penny of that transfer fee when he hit the ground running and scored four goals in six games. Form has dipped due to injury but should be a useful squad member next season.

26. Paul Taylor - Go

Refused to sign an extension to his contract so Posh must cash in on him now after he has shown a hell of a lot of potential this season and finished top scorer for Posh with 12 goals.

Vital Posh view:

With the expected loss of Taylor, Posh need reinforcements up front. Tomlin can and does play up front at times but a dedicated forward is needed to bolster the attack.

OTHER PLAYERS

The following have been out on loan for the majority of the season and are expected to be out of Fergie`s plans:

Nicky Ajose
Scott Griffiths
Danny Mills



Time will tell as to who is in and who is out of Darren Fergusons plans and how soon players will move on. It should be an exciting summer!



UP THE POSH

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