Posh pinched their marquee signing from under Fergie’s nose

Peterborough United believe they have pulled off one of the transfer coups of the summer.

The arrival of former Newcastle United defender Steven Taylor on a two-year contract this week stunned Posh folk.

The 31 year-old did not cost a fee following his release at the end of last season from Championship side Ipswich.

Posh have ‘pinched’ the player from under the noses of former boss Darren Ferguson.

Taylor had a successful trial at Ferguson’s Doncaster who were keen to sign him.

In fact Posh watched him play well in a friendly for League One rivals Rovers against Derby last week. They made their move after positive reports about his fitness from Ferguson and Ipswich manager Mick McCarthy.

Ferguson said: “Steven played against Derby and breezed through the game.

“He’s a great talker and organiser. He’s also a lovely lad who looks fit.”

Posh boss Grant McCann was thrilled to land a man who made over 200 appearances for Newcastle, many of them at Premier League level.

McCann said: “It’s a real coup for us. Steven has a promotion from the Championship to the Premier League on his CV.

“He has a massive amount of experience and he will be an enormous help to the younger players.”

Taylor moved to the United States to play for Portland Timbers after leaving Newcastle, but returned to England to join Ipswich last January.

He made just three appearances for Ipswich, but McCarthy was quick to vouch for the defender’s fitness when Posh enquired.

“Mick McCarthy gave us an incredible reference on Steven Taylor the man and his fitness,” Posh chairman Darragh MacAnthony enthused.

“This is a big signing for us. The look on the faces of our players when Steven walked into the dressing room told its own story.

“Steven is the sort of character we needed. We are delighted to get the deal done.”

Taylor needed little persuasion to join Posh.

“I travelled down last week to see Barry Fry and the manager,” Taylor said.

“We liked what we had to say to each other so I’m very happy to have signed for them.

“I’ve been keeping very fit since the end of the season.

“I’ve been training with Ipswich and I’ve played three games this summer.

“Peterborough watched me play for Doncaster against Derby so I’m glad I proved my fitness.”

Taylor is expected to make his Posh debut in Saturday’s friendly at Cheltenham.

Steven Taylor signs on the dotted line for Posh.