Late Tackle Football Magazine

ALL-CHANGE AT POSH

IAN MC FAR LANE EXAMINES PETERBOROU­GH S DECISION TO AXE STEVE EVANS AND BRING BACK DARREN FERGUSON

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The time machine club

THINGS have certainly changed over the last year at Peterborou­gh United. To the point where, if you last followed Posh over a year ago, the squad is barely recognisab­le, barring Marcus Maddison, Ryan Tafazolli and a few others.

This was due to a squad overhaul by manager Steve Evans, who took control this time last year.

However, in late January, after a 0-0 stalemate with fellow promotion-hopefuls Charlton Athletic at London Road, Evans and assistant Paul Raynor received their P45s.

Strangely enough, Evans’ first game in charge happened to be last season’s home game against the same opponents, although that was a 4-1 success.

Almost immediatel­y, Darren Ferguson was appointed Evans’ replacemen­t for his third spell with the club.

Ferguson has stated that the position is short-term, until the end of the season, and he had little time to tweak the squad before the transfer window closed.

Maybe be believes with the right leadership, meaning his, the squad have enough to reach the post-season party known as the play-offs.

His first game in charge was a midweek trip to Bristol Rovers. A hardfought 2-2 draw was the outcome after Joe Ward equalised for Posh h in stoppage-time.

However, his London Road homecoming was ruined by a one-goal loss to rejuvenate­d Plymouth and the first-half sending off of former golden boy Lee Tomlin. in.

The next game saw an unusual situation. Former Posh sh boss Grant McCann was in charge harge of hosts Doncaster, while ex-Donny Donny boss Ferguson led Posh.

Peterborou­gh went down n 3-1 at the Keepmoat. Once again, Posh h had a player sent off in the first-half, f, this time Tyler Denton.

It’s all a far cry from the start art of the season. A summer of upheaval heaval seemed the ticket when Posh h hit the ground-running with a seven- n- league game undefeated streak, which ich included six victories.

Posh continued with a spring ring in their step away. However, all was not well at home.

After losing 2-1 to promotion-fa- vourites Portsmouth in September, they won only three times in 12 league home matches. The crowd apathy was palpable.

So Peterborou­gh have done what Peterborou­gh do: reverted to the past, when things were rosy. Posh like the scent of nostalgia.

Ferguson has overseen two promotions to the Championsh­ip before, so the blinkered vision of the ‘Evans out’ brigade is that he will do it again.

We’ve had players return from the glory days, too - Craig Mackail-Smith (twice), Aaron McLean and now Tomlin.

This has also occurred in the running of the academy. Sam Darlow has left and now it’s fronted by the two most famous graduates, Simon Davies and Matthew Etheringto­n, who reached Premier League status after leaving Posh in 2000.

To be honest, I’d be surprised if Peterborou­gh make the play-offs now. Players who were brought in in pre-season started in fine form, but dropped off the pace for one reason or another.

However, there are some gems who make the near £30 admission fee seem almost worthwhile.

Siriki Dembele, who arrived from Grimsby, is phenomenal on the flanks, centrally y and can finish, not to mention his q quick-feet on the ball and overall pace.

Ivan Toney would b be the top scorer in t the division if Posh c consistent­ly played it on the ground. Ward and Maddison can mast master the flanks and also cut in w well and make use of pockets of space. I read something someth regarding the chairman Darragh MacAnthony. It seemed he had been harassed by ‘Posh fans’ on social media before dismissing Evans and appointing Ferguson, and then returning to spend spe some time with his family in the States. S

It appeared that th the managerial decision was like finally final giving a spoilt child what they want, because the nagging has worn you do down.

We will see, but I retain re the notion that, Stevie Evans, yo you weren’t that bad. I am, however, in the minority. The spoilt children think the th time machine is the answer.

 ??  ?? Exit: Boss Steve Evans
Exit: Boss Steve Evans

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