The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
Jonson will thrive on the pressure
It appears little will faze Jonson Clarke-Harris, the 2020-21 choice to follow in a long line of outstanding Posh strikers.
Stepping into Ivan Toney’s considerable shoes? ‘Not a problem,’ says the 26 yearoldbig-moneypurchasefrom Bristol Rovers.
Starting anewlife at anew club as the favourite to win the LeagueOneGoldenboot? ‘Bring it on,’ says a player who didn’tseeaminuteofcompetitive action in a previous spell at London Road.
Spearheading the push for promotion with a club who are used to fielding freescoring strikers? ‘That’s what I’m herefor,’ insisted the man who will wear the number nine shirt.
It’s important to stress the player’s replies are delivered with confidence rather than arrogance.
“I ’ m not Ivan Toney,” Clarke-Harris said. “But why should I be? Ivan is a great striker who proved he was too good for League One, but I believe I am one of the top three strikers in the division and now I’m at a better club with better players. I should improve.
“Bristol Roversdidwellfor me. Theygamemeaplatform to play andIdidwellforthem, butthis is agoodmoveforme, one I was excited to make.
“I will play my own way, the way that has brought me many goals in the last couple of seasons.
“That means 100 per cent effort in every game first and foremost with goals and assists a bonus. Most importantly I wanttogetbacktothe Championshipandthisteam can get me there.
“My last spell there (with Rotherham) didn’tlastlongas I picked upaseriousinjury so it’s long been an ambition of mine to get back there again.
“I believe in myability and I believe I amatthepeakofmy game. I believe I can score 20 goals this season, but if Mo Eisa or anyone else is scoring them all that’s good also.
“I’m quick when I get going and I don’t think defenders like playing against me either as I’m not a nice man on the pitch.
“Off the pitch I’m a true gentleman, but it’s different when I’m competing. I just want to win so badly.”
Clarke-Harris first pitched up at Posh two days after his 18th birthday eight years ago after Coventry City failed to reward a promising youth career with a professional contract.
His attitude was questioned by some at the Sky Blues, butPoshmanagerDarren Ferguson saw only raw, unlimited potential.
I ndeed Ferguson enthused about a ‘big, strong, rapid striker with a fierce l eft-foot,’ when explaining what a no-brainer of a decision it was to offer the teenager a contract at a club then in the Championship.
Sadly, the move didn’t work out as either party had hoped and the forward was on his way to Oldham after oneseasontostart a nomadic Football League cereer.
Posh are his 10th Football League club in eight years as a pro, althugh several moves were short loan stays.
“I moved around a lot of clubs whichIhadtodotofind out about myself,” ClarkeHarris added. “Experiencing different clubs and styles has done me good.
“I always felt I wouldcome back one day though.
“It’s the closest teamat my level to my home (Leicester) which is important to me.
“I didn’t know enough when I was here before, but I know my game inside out now.
“I don’t remember too much about the previous time, although it is the same manager and chairman and the training facilities are now much better.
“I’m happytobehereandI wanttosettlehere, andIcan’t wait to finally pull on a firstteam shirt.”
Clarke-Harris has signed a four year-deal which could keep him at Posh to his 30th.
Jonson Clarke-Harris is back at Posh after eight years away, but that’s far from the longest gap between spells at London
Road. Outstanding centre-back John Wile (pictured) left Posh for West Brom in 1970 and returned to the club as player-manager in 1983, a gap of 13 years.
Local man David Gregory left
Posh for Stoke City in 1977, became Bury’s record signing two years later and then helped Portsmouth win promotion from Division Four in 1980. The skilful striker then played for Wrexham in the European Cup Winners’ Cup before finally coming home to Posh in 1986 after nine years on the road. Neither return was a success!