‘Meeting the opposition’- Peterborough United F.C
On Tuesday night, Tranmere Rovers will play host to the high flying League One side Peterborough United in a Papa John’s Trophy encounter. With that in mind, I placed questions towards long-serving supporter Simon Scarborough @scarboroughsss. I thought it would be interesting to see the thoughts of a fan who’s club will soon face Rovers, to get his opinions of the Whites as well as his thoughts on the position of the Posh at the moment, on and off the pitch; amongst many other subjects.
How long have you been a fan of the Posh? How did you initially find out about the club?
I’ve been a Posh fan for over 30 years. My Dad took me when I was 7 years old on a wet Tuesday night in the old 4th division. Rochdale beat us 4-1! It may sound crazy but I fell in love with the club after that!
Where did Peterborough finish last season, what are your thoughts on the last campaign?
We finished 7th via PPG, when the season ended early. I know every fan wants promotion but our form going into those games cancelled was excellent. I really do believe we would have got the last auto spot! We had Ivan Toney on fire and were playing some great football.
What are your thoughts on Peterborough United’s manager? Who is he?
Darren Ferguson (son of Alex) is our current manager, back for his 3rd spell with us. He likes to play attacking football and I think he’s one of those managers that just fits well at the club. If he can recapture his early years with us then I think we will be in for a good couple of years.
What are your thoughts on Peterborough United’s owner? Who is he?
Darragh McAnthony is our chairman or El Presidente, as he is known as. The title change came about when he said he will no longer be chairman if we don’t go up (Last Season)! I personally think he is brilliant. Honest, brash, savvy and so engaging with fans. He puts his money where his mouth is and is a straight talker. Some fans dig him out but it’s been a very exciting ride with ‘DMAC’ at the helm!
What are your expectations for this season? What are your thoughts on the campaign so far?
I feel that with our transfer business pre-season I would like to reach for the automatic promotion spots, or at very least the playoffs. This season as we all know has been strange. I would say that after playing every team so far we are probably looking at playoffs at best. We could sneak into autos but we would have to put a run together very soon and try and pick up more points from teams below us which we seem to struggle with. League 1 is so open and it really is between 10 teams that could go up!
What players will pose the biggest threats to the hosts on Tuesday night?
Before Saturday’s loss to Shrewsbury I would say that (Darren) Ferguson would play a very strong team but we have one of our best players out in midfielder Jack Taylor and I think that the manager will freshen the team up a bit as we looked quite flat at the weekend. Saying that we have a front 3 which should cause havoc in League 1 with Dembele, Johnson Clarke Harris and Sammy Szmodics. Also we have a very good crop of young players coming through most notably Rickey Jade Jones and Harrison Burrows. They’re all, without doubt, players to keep an eye out for.
What is your score prediction for the cup encounter at Prenton Park?
I think that if we get a reaction from Saturday’s game we win 2-0. However, if the same team and the same attitudes etc are on show then we will get beat 2-0.
Random fact about Peterborough?
(Laughs) There aren’t a lot to choose from! Passport office and we are supported by a guy who founded Rolls Royce, somebody from the music band JLS, a couple of C-list actors and the guy who founded Pizza Express!
Proudest moment as a fan?
Beating Liverpool at home in the Rumbelows Cup in 1991. The first time I had seen us beat a top flight team! The atmosphere that night made the hairs stand up on the back of my neck… I will never forget it!
What is your opinion on Tranmere?
I have an affinity with Tranmere as we were both shafted last season on PPG. I would love to see them promoted. Also, I like your Chairman Mark Palios.
Given that Danny Lloyd plays for Tranmere now and he may come to face his former club, what are your thoughts on him?
When he first came to the Posh he started well and scored some great goals. We had Marcus Maddison as our No.10 so his game time was limited and we also felt he went missing in games on occasion. Overall, he’s a decent footballer though.
- Tranmere forward Danny Lloyd, who has excelled during his time at the Whites, may face his former side on Tuesday night. The 29-year-old spent a season at London Road, scoring eight goals in thirty-one games according to Wikipedia.
I would like to thank Simon @scarboroughsss for his time answering the questions that I placed towards him. This cup encounter should be an interesting occasion and I hope that readers enjoyed this Q+A.
Thank you very much for reading,
Stay safe,
Ethan Hoijord
Great read that thank you