The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
It was right time to leave Dens for Posh, insists O’Hara
Midfielder ready for new challenge after signing Peterborough contract
Dundee midfielder Mark O’Hara has declared it was the “right time” to leave the Dark Blues in search of a fresh challenge.
O’Hara, 22, joined English League One side Peterborough on a three-year deal yesterday for what the Dens club called a “mutually acceptable undisclosed training compensation package”.
He was unveiled at Posh’s ABAX Stadium and said: “I felt it was the right time in my career to come down and play in England and am looking forward to it.
“I have played a lot of games for my age and am ready for the next challenge.
“As soon as I heard Peterborough were interested, it was a simple decision.
“I spoke with the manager (Steve Evans) and he outlined how ambitious the club was and hopefully I can be part of a promotion push next season.
“That was part of the attraction. I wanted to come to a club that had ambitions of getting to the next level.
“I can’t wait to get started and try and get myself into the team.”
The Dark Blues wished the player well, adding: “We would like to thank Mark for his efforts while at Dens.”
Peterborough boss Evans is well pleased with what is his fourth signing of the summer. He said: “I am absolutely delighted to bring Mark to Peterborough United.
“He is a young man that I have watched since he made his debut at Celtic Park for Kilmarnock and I have kept track of his progress and it is fair to say he has had an outstanding season with Dundee FC.
“In fairness to Dundee, they worked terrifically well with Barry Fry to get this deal over the line and although it has cost our chairman a few quid, I am sure it will be worthwhile.
“He is an exciting, full of energy, box-to-box central midfield player who can score a goal by arriving into the box with some wonderfully timed runs.
“He is young and for me has an outstanding future ahead of him. I am looking forward to working with him.”
Meanwhile, Dundee have been strongly linked with a move for Hearts goalie Jack Hamilton.
The former Scotland under-21 keeper found himself behind Jon McLaughlin in the pecking order at Tynecastle last season. Now Dens boss Neil McCann is understood to be close to bringing the player to Dens where he would compete with Elliott Parish and Calum Ferrie for the number one jersey.