The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
McCann makes a promise
Posh boss talks transfers:
New manager Grant McCann will only sign players who are interested more in the future of Peterborough United than hard cash. McCann was speaking for the first time since midfield playmaker Erhun Oztumer left the club for League One rivals Walsall.
When Oztumer initially signed for Posh in June, 2014 hewasofferedatwoyear deal with a oneyear option which would generate a 66% pay rise if taken up.
McCann admitted Posh eventually offered a lower weekly wage, but as part of a newtwoyeardealratherthan one year.
Oztumer’s reluctance to agree prompted Posh not to stand in the way of a move to Walsall.
McCannsaid: “I like Erhun as a person and a player. He would have played a big part for us next season.
“ButIwantplayerswhoare committed to the longterm prosperity of Peterborough United rather than their own desire to make money.
“In my opinion Erhun was only looking shortterm and when I heard of his demands myfirstinstinctwastocuthim loose.
“I compare that with the attitude of (new signing) Ryan Tafazolli. He was all set to go and talk to Blackburn after agreeing terms with us.
“I told him if he did our offer would be off the table and he decided to sign for us.
“We have a chairman at this club who is one of the best at looking after his play ers should they be successful and win promotion.”
Oztumer made 57 appearances for Posh and scored seven goals. Hewasathis best during Posh’s terrific run of form before Christmas last year, but faded badly in the second half of last season.
Oztumer, whosignedatwo year deal at the Banks’s Stadium, said: “It’s brilliant to join Walsall. The attraction is the way they play.
“I like thewaytheykeepthe ball so it was an easy decision for me to make.”
Striker Kyle Vassell, who was released by Posh at the end of last season, has joined League Two side Blackpool.
Centreback Gaby Zakuani, another player to be released by Posh, has discussed terms with local rivals Northampton Town, but another club is now understood to be trying to hiack the deal.