The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
Ricky introduces himself to home fans in the perfect way
Posh - Lightning -fast striker signs first professional deal
Exciting young talent RickyJade Jones introduced himself to Posh fans in dramatic style with a goal on his full debut in an EFL Trophy game against local rivals Cambridge United on Tuesday.
Jones only signed his first professional contract on his 17th birthday last week, but Posh boss Darren Ferguson insists he would not be afraid to throw him into the fray of a League One match.
Jones is thought to be the player Posh turned down a £2 million bid for from a top four Premier League club recently.
Ferguson said: “Ricky is an outstanding young man. He deserves the professional contract. We feel he has real potential. He has a great attitude and work ethic.
“I wasn’t surpised to see him score. It’s what he does. It is just the start, but he has a desire to work hard and that is important. He has real quality. He is a big lad with unbelievable pace, He is the quickest player I have worked with.
“He wants to learn, he wants to listen and improve his game and that is all you can ask. I am looking forward to helping him develop.
“His age doesn’t bother me. I would throw him in to a League One match if I thought he was ready.”
Jones has been in the Posh Academy system since the age of nine. He said: “I remember making my debut for the club as a nine-year-old and scoring nine goals. I was proud to make my first-team debut.
“The coaches within the Academy have been great with me and the first team manager Darren Ferguson is brilliant as you know he wants to give young players an opportunity if they earn them. It is really important to see there is a pathway and it is now down to me to take the opportunity.”
Posh co-owner Dr Jason Neale added: “A successful academy is fundamental to the future of Peterborough United FC and the ownership group is committed to ensuring its success. Fans love seeing home grown players."
•Brad Rolt scored both goals as Posh won 2-0 at Gillingham in a Midland Youth Alliance League game last weekend to stay second.