The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
Fergie made his mind up about his latest signing in just 20 minutes!
It took Posh manager Darren Ferguson just 20 minutes to decide to sign teenager Ronnie Edwards from Barnet.
The 17 year-old was identified by talent-spotting expert and Posh Academy director Kieran Scarff as a potential future star so Ferguson invited him to play in last week’s friendly win over Peterborough Sports.
“Within 20 minutes of that game, I had made my mind up,” Ferguson admitted. “He was excellent. He did everything I asked of him.
“He is a lovely lad, very mature for a 17-year-old and we believe he has real potential so I am delighted to get him into the building and I am looking forward to working with him.”
Edwards played as a defender against Sports and looked comfortable in possession. He can also play in midfield.
Edwards had been at Barnet since he was nine and made his first-team debut as a late substitute in a National League match at Maidenhead last December. He also came on late in a play-off win at Yeovil last month.
Posh quickly agreed a fee with Barnet for the player, but there was a late attempt to hijack the move with ‘The Bees’ subsequently making a complaint to the FA about the behaviour of Edwards’ agent.
They accused him of touting his player to other clubs, including Championship side Brentford, when only Posh had been given permission to speak to him.
Edwards was, however, delighted to sign a three-year contract at the Weston Homes Stadium.
“I felt very welcome from the moment I walked into the dressing room,” Edwards said. “The manager gives young players an opportunity and I felt it was the right club for the next stage of my development.
“Barnet were great in allowing me to come in and train and play in a game for Peterborough and I thank them for that.
“It is hard sometimes to play in a game for a different club, but I tried to keep it simple and I was pleased with how things went. I am only 17, but I think I am mature for my age and I am looking forward to this opportunity with Peterborough.”
Edwards is the second Posh signing of the summer after goalkeeper Dan Gyollai and both are expected to start the season as back-up players.
Edwards’ arrival continues the close relationship between Barnet and Posh. Midfielder Jack Taylor made the same move for a £500k fee in January.
The transfer of Edwards took the number of signings made by League One clubs since the end of last season to 61.
Only potential big hitters Wigan Athletic, Charlton Athletic s and Ipswich Town have yet to sign a new player.