POSH’S U-TURN LEFT ‘FRECKS’ THRILLED

LEE Frecklington is thrilled by the turnaround in his Posh career.

The 26 year-old midfielder appeared certain to leave London Road when transfer-listed following the club’s League One play-offs success almost a year ago.

But Frecklington persuaded manager Darren Ferguson into a change of heart after impressing in pre-season training and went on to play a full part in Posh’s survival at Championship level.

There will be no such drama this summer for the former Lincoln City man who has made it onto Ferguson’s retained list for next season.

He said: “I have had a bad time here on the whole so it was vitally important for me to show everyone that I am a Championship-standard player.

“I started the season well and scored a few goals. Getting two in

d! YIBT AUCYYOB the away win at Portsmouth was a real highlight as it was the first time I’d scored twice in a game in my career.

“I was gutted my performances tailed off a bit as the season went on but I know that was down to tiredness.

“The previous season had been difficult and being put on the transfer list was the sort of kick in the teeth that I probably needed at the time.

“I knew I had to pull my finger out and the manager gave me a chance to play. To get myself into the team and start 38 games was a big achievement for me.

“But I know I can’t be complacent, I need to keep my standards very high and make sure I come back flying again in the summer like I did last year.”

Posh’s survival, which was achieved with two matches to spare, was hailed as a major success, but Frecklington admits he was slightly upset not to finish the campaign in a better position than 18th spot.

Like many at London Road, he believes fatigue played a big part in the club’s slump in form in the final months of the season and he is confident he can help Posh take the next step forward in 2012/13.

Frecklington added: “It is difficult not to be a bit disappointed that we didn’t finish a bit higher after starting the season so well.

“The season was mentally draining as well as having the physicality of the matches especially with the pressure of getting enough points to stay up.

“We always knew the fact we’ve only really had three weeks off in two years might mean we faded a bit towards the end, but we did what we had to do in the first half of the season.

“I think we have established ourselves as a decent Championship club and the challenge now is kickon for next season.

“We know we have to improve and we know what we need to do to that.”