Opposing View – Peterborough United

Mark Lea gives us the Posh view ahead of Saturday’s clash

Vital Peterborough ed. Mark Lea gives us the inside track on things at London Road….

What were your hopes, fears and expectations for the season?

After our last disastrous outing in the Championship, survival is the main priority. Stability is crucial for Posh this season and with it, hopes of improved team performances, more wins and respect from the rest of the Championship.

Where you pleased to see Darren Ferguson back at London Road?

Initially I had my doubts and always said it would take a while for him to win back my trust and support. I was still fully behind the club and thankfully, Fergie has again proved he is the right manager for Posh and turned a decent squad into a respectable Championship team.

Have you missed Craig Mackail-Smith this season?

n a word, NO! Posh are still scoring plenty of goals without the legend that it CMS, although the one thing that we do miss is his non-stop running, chasing and constant pestering of the opposition. This is something our new forwards need to learn to do.

How is George Boyd still a Posh player when CMS & Aaron McLean have now both upped sticks?

The White Pele is a crucial member of the Posh squad. I think a combination of Darren Ferguson and owner Darragh MacAnthony used their persuasive powers to convince him he could achieve his ambitions at Posh. That along with no teams matching our valuation of him has seen him sign an extension to his contract. However, if Posh hadn’t been promoted last season, I think Boyd would’ve been one of many players to leave Posh.

Where will you finish this season?

After an impressive start to the season, if we can stay relatively injury free, I see no reason why we can’t finish mid-table at the worst! If we can continue to improve and start to keep clean sheets (starting with the game against Watford), Posh could even challenge for the play-offs.

Who’s the key player we should be looking out for on Saturday?

Posh have a number of crucial players in the team. Grant McCann pulls the strings in the centre of the park, while George Boyd still causes problems for every team he faces. Defensively, Zakuani and Bennett have formed a good central defensive partnership.

Match prediction?

s with most Posh games, there’s going to be goals scored at both ends. Posh will edge this one 3-2.

Here’s to a good entertaining game. I’ll be travelling down on the supporters coach to cheer the Posh to victory 🙂

From a Hornet’s perspective, here’s hoping to avoiding the sucker-punch this week!