king_congo_red
Ale Ape
The Ground
London Road is a very, very old stadium. There are no two ways about it, once inside, you will be very aware that you're in a ground which has stood since 1913 (with the exception of the family stand which was re-built in 1996). The majority of away fans will be located in the terrace. There is nowhere to get an alcoholic beverage for away fans, the food is over-priced and poor quality and the toilets are among the most disgusting I've ever had the 'pleasure' of seeing...However, all of this is almost bearable for the pleasure of knowing that you're in the only terraces currently in the Championship. This certainly helps with the atmosphere, making both home and away fans seem much louder.
The Team
Peterborough come into Saturdays game on the back of two very bad results, having lost 2-1 at home to Plymouth and 2-0 away at Blackpool. Their strengths are all in attack, they've had no problems scoring goals, despite the step up in level (putting two past West Brom and three past Reading) for example, but are freely leaking goals at the back. Their problems in defence seems to be multi-faceted and as such, not easy to solve. Against West Brom, for example, the Baggies exploited the back four being very flat and lacking pace, by slotting through-balls through to their pacey strikers. Plymouth found it equally succesful to use big burley strikers to win aerial balls into the box. Forest could exploit either of these weaknesses, as long as Billy picks the right players to do so. Equally Forest will need to cope with the threat which Posh's pacey strikers will cause our centre-backs...Big Wes in particular may have problems keeping up.
Tactics
Throughout Posh's meteoric rise up the leagues, Darren Ferguson has been a keen advocate of a 4-4-2 formation, although he does play it very attacking, with at least one winger who is happy getting right up with the strikers and full-backs who are comfortable pushing into midfield. As they have started to struggle in the Championship however, he has begun to also use the 4-3-3, initially with some success in using it to get back into games that they were struggling, but against Newcastle and Blackpool, they have used it from the start as well.
The Players
1. Joe Lewis – Goalkeeper
Tall goalkeeper, became well known for his surprise call-up to the England Squad for the Friendlies against Trinidad and the US. Came through the ranks at Norwich City, but never played a game for them. Joe gained first team experience with loan spells at Stockport County and Morecambe. It was at Morecambe where he really rose to prominence with several excellent performances in a struggling side. One of these performances was against Peterborough United, for whom new manager Darren Ferguson was so impressed that he made a bid for him when he returned to Norwich in December 2007. The deal was completed in January 2008 and Lewis has been a fixture in the Posh side ever since. His first season in the Championship has been an inconsistent one, not helped by the Posh back four struggling to adapt to the step up. Has made a number of mistakes so far, which has caused a number of Posh fans to call for him to be replaced in the side, although this has subsided somewhat thanks to good performances against Newcastle and Reading.
2 Russell Martin – Right Back and Captain
Started out at Brighton as a central midfielder, but failed to break into the first team. Moved to Wycombe, where after playing games all across the back four and in central midfield, finally established himself as a right-back. Moved to Peterborough in May 2008 when his contract at Wycombe expired.and in September was made the new team Captian, replacing Craig Morgan who was struggling with the role. Like the rest of his defensive colleagues, has had his struggles this season and was left out of the teams opening fixture, in favour of the versatile Charlie Lee, who had impressed at Right-Back during pre-season. Generally solid and dependable, very rarely makes mistakes, doesn’t seem as keen to push forward as other full-backs in the Posh squad.
3 Tommy Williams – Left Back
Well travelled full-back, who was a target of Forest, back when he was at Swansea. His career has so far seen him stop off at Walton and Hersham, West Ham, Birmingham, QPR, Barnsley, Gillingham, Swansea and Wycombe as well as three separate stints in Peterborough, the latest starting in December 2007. He also has one full international cap, for Cyprus. He is married to former Page 3 model Nicola McLean. Renknowned as an attacking full-back and certainly looks more comfortable going forwards than performing defensive duties. Initially struggled to establish himself in the Posh side, thanks to a series of injuries and the good form of Jamie Day, however when Day missed the entire 08/09 season, Williams made the position his own.
4 Craig Morgan – Centre Back
Mainstay of the Welsh national squad, has 16 caps already, despite only being 24. Was named Posh team captain at the start of the 2008 season, but subsequently had this privelage taken away from him, with Darren Ferguson claiming he needed a captain who was with the squad all the time, rather than one who spent much time away with Wales. It should be noted that this decision co-incided with a poor run of form for Morgan. Has generally looked steady and reliable for Peterborough United, but has struggled this season, along with the rest of the defence. Not a towering, or imposing centre-back at 6ft tall, but wins his fair share in the air, isn’t the fastest centre-back in the championship though and can look shaky playing against nippy strikers.
5 Gabriele Zakuani – Centre Back
A regular member of the Democratic Republic of Congo national team squad, but has only made one full appearance so far, which came in 2005. Despite being only 23 years old, has nearly 150 league appearances to his name already. The majority of these came at Leyton Orient, for whom he made his full debut at just 16 years of age. His performances for Orient were so impressive that Fulham forked out £1m for him, but he never made a first team appearance for Fulham and he moved to Peterborough in November ’08. Again, not the fastest, or most imposing centre-back, but wins his fair share of both headers and tackles. May be susceptible to players with pace. Seems to have shouldered the majority of the blame for an appauling defensive display against Blackpool, when Ferguson hauled him off and blanked him on the sideline.
6 Charlie Lee – Centre Back/Full-Back/Holding Midfielder
Racked up 40 appearances, most of them as Captain, for Tottenham Hotspurs’ reserve team, but, as he’s young and English, was never going to get a first-team game at White Hart Lane, eventually being released from his contract. He signed for Peterborough in May 2007 and has been a regular at several different positions. In league 2, he played the holding midfield role for the entire season and was known for being a tough-tackler and a hard-worker, as well as several blistering long-range shots, one of which Forest were on the receiving end of, for those who remember the Johnson’s paint trophy defeat. However, in League 1 he looked less-effective in this role eventually being dropped in favour of Dean Keats, but came back into the side as a centre-back, when injuries and a realisation that the back-up centre-backs were gash crept in. So far this season, has mostly been deployed as a full-back. Like most ‘utility’ type players, can be prone to being caught out of position, especially when being moved around a lot, however he makes up for this with hard-work and some absolutely crunching tackles.
7 Paul Coutts – Central Midfield
A real find for Posh, as he was plying his trade in the Highland League, for Cove Rangers, when he was spotted by the scouts. A successful trail period later and he joined Posh in July 2008. Although it took him a while to break into the team, due to getting up to speed with the fitness and playing requirements of being a professional, has established himself as a very smooth passer and the most creative midfielder on Peterborough’s books, but doesn’t contribute enough goals. Has recently been called up to the Scotland Under 21 squad, to cap his meteoric rise from obscurity. Is currently battling Lee Frecklington for the starting midfield berth.
8 Lee Frecklington – Central Midfield
Attack-minded midfielder who arrived on loan from Lincoln in February 2009, with the move being made permanent when the transfer window re-opened. A real threat from long-distance shots, but not as creative as Coutts. Suprisingly fierce tackler for an attack-minded player.
9 Aaron McLean – Striker
The first of Posh’s ‘Holy Trinity’ you’ve probably heard all about him by now. Came through the youth ranks at Leyton Orient, to make 40 appearances for the club, but scored only two goals. Upon his release in 2003, spent the next four years in the conference for Aldershot and Grays before being spotted by outgoing Peterborough manager Keith Alexander. Posh paid just £150,000 for him, but he hasn’t looked back since being given his second league opportunity – 29 goals in 45 league 2 appearances, 18 goals in 39 League 1 appearances and 4 goals so far in the Championship – a goal scoring record which speaks for itself. Has bags of pace, is a fiercely hard-worker and both surprisingly strong and good in the air despite being only 5’8”.
10 George Boyd – Left Midfield
Another of Posh’s non-league steals, having been signed from Stevenage in 2007 for the princely sum of £260,000. He had long been admired by Posh’s former chairman, now director-of-football, Barry Fry who had never had the money to buy him until the investment made by Darragh McAnthony. Nominally a left-winger, but has a lot of licence to move around in games, resulting in him often appearing to be a right-winger, striker, or central midfielder. The very definition of a ‘mercurial’ talent. Makes up for a lack of pace with a left-foot so sweet it puts me in mind of Ian Woan. Makes the game look so easy and effortless - something not to be confused with being lazy.
11 Dean Keates – Central Midfield
Easily the most experienced member of the Posh squad, with over 400 league appearances to his name, signed for Posh in 2007 from Walsall. Primarily a tough tacking holding midfielder, however one noted for a good goal-scoring record. Was injured in pre-season and has struggled to get back into the team thanks to the performances of Diagouraga in his absence.
12 Craig Mackail-Smith - Striker
Yet another non-league capture for the Posh (recurring theme anyone?), albeit one who, when signed was on the verge of Promotion to the league with Dagenham. Had a rocky start to his career with Posh, when shortly after signing a deal, apparently changed his mind, tried to get out of the deal so he could sign for Sunderland instead. After Barry Fry threatened to sue him, he eventually did move to London Road, and won over the fans straight away with lung-busting performances up-front. Primarily a striker, but can play as a left or right-sided forward when deployed in a 4-3-3. Has racked up 46 goals in 105 appearances for Peterborough, but is noted for missing as many as he scores and having an almost 0% success rate when one-on-one with the keeper.
13 James McKeown – Goalkeeper
Reserve ‘keeper, signed from Walsall in 2007. Despite being highly rated and an Irish Under 21 international, will not play unless Lewis is injured or sent off. Has one substitute and one JPT appearance to his name, both of which were solid and clean sheets.
14 Tommy Rowe – Right Winger
Former Manchester United academy player, who signed before the start of this season from hard-up Stockport. Started the season as first choice right winger and looked a solid unspectacular player. Has faded away since the return to fitness of Whelpdale and the form of Shaun Batt has pushed him down to 3rd choice, although he has made a substitute appearance as an emergency Left-Back.
15 Toumani Diagouraga – Central Midfielder
Known as ‘Dave’ to team-mates and fans alike, as they can’t be arsed to learn how to pronounce his actual name. A summer signing from Hereford, the 6’2” French-born holding midfielder has been hugely impressive since breaking into the side. He’s everything we wanted Guy Moussi to be. A Strong, physical, tough tackler who covers the ground in front of the back four well and a very disruptive influence on opposition teams attacks, however, has shown lapses of concentration which could be exploited.
16 Krystian Pearce – Central Defender
Currently on loan from Birmigham, very highly rated by the brummies, apparently, but has only figured in fleeting substitute appearances and the league cup so far.
17 Jamie Day – Left Wing-Back
The last product of the prolific old Posh Youth Academy (Simon Davies, Matthew Etherington, Jimmy Bullard, Sean St.Ledger etc…) , before it closed down to save costs. Broken into the Posh first team at the tender age of 17, struggled for a long-time due to being a left-wing back in a team wehich usually played 4-4-2. Not seen as strong enough defensively to be a left-back, but not attacking enough to be a left-winger. But eventually established himself as first-choice left-back during Posh’s League 2 promotion campaign. Sat out the whole of last year injured and has barely figured this year.
18 Chris Whelpdale – Right-Winger
An interesting anomaly, in a team where almost every player is chosen because of their attacking merits, right-winger Whelpdale is a hard-working right-winger, whose priority seems to be helping his full-back out. Surprisingly tall for a winger (6’1”) and as such a good header of the ball. Has a dangerous long-throw in. Whelpdale is yet another of Posh’s non-league discoveries, having been found plying his trade in the Isthmian Premier League for Billericay in 2007.
19 Shaun Batt – Right-Winger
At first appearance, doesn’t look like a footballer. Think along the lines of a gangly Peter Crouch-esque figure, trying to play on the wing…yet has a surprisingly good touch, which reminds me (when he’s at his best) in a bizarre way of Stan Collymore. Had knocked around the non-leagues for a long time, before spotted by Posh playing for Fisher Athletic in 2008. Brilliant on his day, appauling when it’s not his day, divides opinion even amongst his own fans.
25 Dominic Green – Right-Winger
Well down the pecking order, due to the ridiculous number of right-wingers at Posh, unlikely to play. ‘One for the future’.
28 Danny Rose – Right-Winger
England Under 21 international and Posh’s latest signing, having arrived from Tottenham Hotspurs shortly before the Plymouth game. Posh having apparently pulled off a last minute hijack of his loan move to home town club Doncaster. Looked lively against Plymouth, albeit in a lacklustre team performance, was keen to run at defenders and tried to make things happen.
London Road is a very, very old stadium. There are no two ways about it, once inside, you will be very aware that you're in a ground which has stood since 1913 (with the exception of the family stand which was re-built in 1996). The majority of away fans will be located in the terrace. There is nowhere to get an alcoholic beverage for away fans, the food is over-priced and poor quality and the toilets are among the most disgusting I've ever had the 'pleasure' of seeing...However, all of this is almost bearable for the pleasure of knowing that you're in the only terraces currently in the Championship. This certainly helps with the atmosphere, making both home and away fans seem much louder.
The Team
Peterborough come into Saturdays game on the back of two very bad results, having lost 2-1 at home to Plymouth and 2-0 away at Blackpool. Their strengths are all in attack, they've had no problems scoring goals, despite the step up in level (putting two past West Brom and three past Reading) for example, but are freely leaking goals at the back. Their problems in defence seems to be multi-faceted and as such, not easy to solve. Against West Brom, for example, the Baggies exploited the back four being very flat and lacking pace, by slotting through-balls through to their pacey strikers. Plymouth found it equally succesful to use big burley strikers to win aerial balls into the box. Forest could exploit either of these weaknesses, as long as Billy picks the right players to do so. Equally Forest will need to cope with the threat which Posh's pacey strikers will cause our centre-backs...Big Wes in particular may have problems keeping up.
Tactics
Throughout Posh's meteoric rise up the leagues, Darren Ferguson has been a keen advocate of a 4-4-2 formation, although he does play it very attacking, with at least one winger who is happy getting right up with the strikers and full-backs who are comfortable pushing into midfield. As they have started to struggle in the Championship however, he has begun to also use the 4-3-3, initially with some success in using it to get back into games that they were struggling, but against Newcastle and Blackpool, they have used it from the start as well.
The Players
1. Joe Lewis – Goalkeeper
Tall goalkeeper, became well known for his surprise call-up to the England Squad for the Friendlies against Trinidad and the US. Came through the ranks at Norwich City, but never played a game for them. Joe gained first team experience with loan spells at Stockport County and Morecambe. It was at Morecambe where he really rose to prominence with several excellent performances in a struggling side. One of these performances was against Peterborough United, for whom new manager Darren Ferguson was so impressed that he made a bid for him when he returned to Norwich in December 2007. The deal was completed in January 2008 and Lewis has been a fixture in the Posh side ever since. His first season in the Championship has been an inconsistent one, not helped by the Posh back four struggling to adapt to the step up. Has made a number of mistakes so far, which has caused a number of Posh fans to call for him to be replaced in the side, although this has subsided somewhat thanks to good performances against Newcastle and Reading.
2 Russell Martin – Right Back and Captain
Started out at Brighton as a central midfielder, but failed to break into the first team. Moved to Wycombe, where after playing games all across the back four and in central midfield, finally established himself as a right-back. Moved to Peterborough in May 2008 when his contract at Wycombe expired.and in September was made the new team Captian, replacing Craig Morgan who was struggling with the role. Like the rest of his defensive colleagues, has had his struggles this season and was left out of the teams opening fixture, in favour of the versatile Charlie Lee, who had impressed at Right-Back during pre-season. Generally solid and dependable, very rarely makes mistakes, doesn’t seem as keen to push forward as other full-backs in the Posh squad.
3 Tommy Williams – Left Back
Well travelled full-back, who was a target of Forest, back when he was at Swansea. His career has so far seen him stop off at Walton and Hersham, West Ham, Birmingham, QPR, Barnsley, Gillingham, Swansea and Wycombe as well as three separate stints in Peterborough, the latest starting in December 2007. He also has one full international cap, for Cyprus. He is married to former Page 3 model Nicola McLean. Renknowned as an attacking full-back and certainly looks more comfortable going forwards than performing defensive duties. Initially struggled to establish himself in the Posh side, thanks to a series of injuries and the good form of Jamie Day, however when Day missed the entire 08/09 season, Williams made the position his own.
4 Craig Morgan – Centre Back
Mainstay of the Welsh national squad, has 16 caps already, despite only being 24. Was named Posh team captain at the start of the 2008 season, but subsequently had this privelage taken away from him, with Darren Ferguson claiming he needed a captain who was with the squad all the time, rather than one who spent much time away with Wales. It should be noted that this decision co-incided with a poor run of form for Morgan. Has generally looked steady and reliable for Peterborough United, but has struggled this season, along with the rest of the defence. Not a towering, or imposing centre-back at 6ft tall, but wins his fair share in the air, isn’t the fastest centre-back in the championship though and can look shaky playing against nippy strikers.
5 Gabriele Zakuani – Centre Back
A regular member of the Democratic Republic of Congo national team squad, but has only made one full appearance so far, which came in 2005. Despite being only 23 years old, has nearly 150 league appearances to his name already. The majority of these came at Leyton Orient, for whom he made his full debut at just 16 years of age. His performances for Orient were so impressive that Fulham forked out £1m for him, but he never made a first team appearance for Fulham and he moved to Peterborough in November ’08. Again, not the fastest, or most imposing centre-back, but wins his fair share of both headers and tackles. May be susceptible to players with pace. Seems to have shouldered the majority of the blame for an appauling defensive display against Blackpool, when Ferguson hauled him off and blanked him on the sideline.
6 Charlie Lee – Centre Back/Full-Back/Holding Midfielder
Racked up 40 appearances, most of them as Captain, for Tottenham Hotspurs’ reserve team, but, as he’s young and English, was never going to get a first-team game at White Hart Lane, eventually being released from his contract. He signed for Peterborough in May 2007 and has been a regular at several different positions. In league 2, he played the holding midfield role for the entire season and was known for being a tough-tackler and a hard-worker, as well as several blistering long-range shots, one of which Forest were on the receiving end of, for those who remember the Johnson’s paint trophy defeat. However, in League 1 he looked less-effective in this role eventually being dropped in favour of Dean Keats, but came back into the side as a centre-back, when injuries and a realisation that the back-up centre-backs were gash crept in. So far this season, has mostly been deployed as a full-back. Like most ‘utility’ type players, can be prone to being caught out of position, especially when being moved around a lot, however he makes up for this with hard-work and some absolutely crunching tackles.
7 Paul Coutts – Central Midfield
A real find for Posh, as he was plying his trade in the Highland League, for Cove Rangers, when he was spotted by the scouts. A successful trail period later and he joined Posh in July 2008. Although it took him a while to break into the team, due to getting up to speed with the fitness and playing requirements of being a professional, has established himself as a very smooth passer and the most creative midfielder on Peterborough’s books, but doesn’t contribute enough goals. Has recently been called up to the Scotland Under 21 squad, to cap his meteoric rise from obscurity. Is currently battling Lee Frecklington for the starting midfield berth.
8 Lee Frecklington – Central Midfield
Attack-minded midfielder who arrived on loan from Lincoln in February 2009, with the move being made permanent when the transfer window re-opened. A real threat from long-distance shots, but not as creative as Coutts. Suprisingly fierce tackler for an attack-minded player.
9 Aaron McLean – Striker
The first of Posh’s ‘Holy Trinity’ you’ve probably heard all about him by now. Came through the youth ranks at Leyton Orient, to make 40 appearances for the club, but scored only two goals. Upon his release in 2003, spent the next four years in the conference for Aldershot and Grays before being spotted by outgoing Peterborough manager Keith Alexander. Posh paid just £150,000 for him, but he hasn’t looked back since being given his second league opportunity – 29 goals in 45 league 2 appearances, 18 goals in 39 League 1 appearances and 4 goals so far in the Championship – a goal scoring record which speaks for itself. Has bags of pace, is a fiercely hard-worker and both surprisingly strong and good in the air despite being only 5’8”.
10 George Boyd – Left Midfield
Another of Posh’s non-league steals, having been signed from Stevenage in 2007 for the princely sum of £260,000. He had long been admired by Posh’s former chairman, now director-of-football, Barry Fry who had never had the money to buy him until the investment made by Darragh McAnthony. Nominally a left-winger, but has a lot of licence to move around in games, resulting in him often appearing to be a right-winger, striker, or central midfielder. The very definition of a ‘mercurial’ talent. Makes up for a lack of pace with a left-foot so sweet it puts me in mind of Ian Woan. Makes the game look so easy and effortless - something not to be confused with being lazy.
11 Dean Keates – Central Midfield
Easily the most experienced member of the Posh squad, with over 400 league appearances to his name, signed for Posh in 2007 from Walsall. Primarily a tough tacking holding midfielder, however one noted for a good goal-scoring record. Was injured in pre-season and has struggled to get back into the team thanks to the performances of Diagouraga in his absence.
12 Craig Mackail-Smith - Striker
Yet another non-league capture for the Posh (recurring theme anyone?), albeit one who, when signed was on the verge of Promotion to the league with Dagenham. Had a rocky start to his career with Posh, when shortly after signing a deal, apparently changed his mind, tried to get out of the deal so he could sign for Sunderland instead. After Barry Fry threatened to sue him, he eventually did move to London Road, and won over the fans straight away with lung-busting performances up-front. Primarily a striker, but can play as a left or right-sided forward when deployed in a 4-3-3. Has racked up 46 goals in 105 appearances for Peterborough, but is noted for missing as many as he scores and having an almost 0% success rate when one-on-one with the keeper.
13 James McKeown – Goalkeeper
Reserve ‘keeper, signed from Walsall in 2007. Despite being highly rated and an Irish Under 21 international, will not play unless Lewis is injured or sent off. Has one substitute and one JPT appearance to his name, both of which were solid and clean sheets.
14 Tommy Rowe – Right Winger
Former Manchester United academy player, who signed before the start of this season from hard-up Stockport. Started the season as first choice right winger and looked a solid unspectacular player. Has faded away since the return to fitness of Whelpdale and the form of Shaun Batt has pushed him down to 3rd choice, although he has made a substitute appearance as an emergency Left-Back.
15 Toumani Diagouraga – Central Midfielder
Known as ‘Dave’ to team-mates and fans alike, as they can’t be arsed to learn how to pronounce his actual name. A summer signing from Hereford, the 6’2” French-born holding midfielder has been hugely impressive since breaking into the side. He’s everything we wanted Guy Moussi to be. A Strong, physical, tough tackler who covers the ground in front of the back four well and a very disruptive influence on opposition teams attacks, however, has shown lapses of concentration which could be exploited.
16 Krystian Pearce – Central Defender
Currently on loan from Birmigham, very highly rated by the brummies, apparently, but has only figured in fleeting substitute appearances and the league cup so far.
17 Jamie Day – Left Wing-Back
The last product of the prolific old Posh Youth Academy (Simon Davies, Matthew Etherington, Jimmy Bullard, Sean St.Ledger etc…) , before it closed down to save costs. Broken into the Posh first team at the tender age of 17, struggled for a long-time due to being a left-wing back in a team wehich usually played 4-4-2. Not seen as strong enough defensively to be a left-back, but not attacking enough to be a left-winger. But eventually established himself as first-choice left-back during Posh’s League 2 promotion campaign. Sat out the whole of last year injured and has barely figured this year.
18 Chris Whelpdale – Right-Winger
An interesting anomaly, in a team where almost every player is chosen because of their attacking merits, right-winger Whelpdale is a hard-working right-winger, whose priority seems to be helping his full-back out. Surprisingly tall for a winger (6’1”) and as such a good header of the ball. Has a dangerous long-throw in. Whelpdale is yet another of Posh’s non-league discoveries, having been found plying his trade in the Isthmian Premier League for Billericay in 2007.
19 Shaun Batt – Right-Winger
At first appearance, doesn’t look like a footballer. Think along the lines of a gangly Peter Crouch-esque figure, trying to play on the wing…yet has a surprisingly good touch, which reminds me (when he’s at his best) in a bizarre way of Stan Collymore. Had knocked around the non-leagues for a long time, before spotted by Posh playing for Fisher Athletic in 2008. Brilliant on his day, appauling when it’s not his day, divides opinion even amongst his own fans.
25 Dominic Green – Right-Winger
Well down the pecking order, due to the ridiculous number of right-wingers at Posh, unlikely to play. ‘One for the future’.
28 Danny Rose – Right-Winger
England Under 21 international and Posh’s latest signing, having arrived from Tottenham Hotspurs shortly before the Plymouth game. Posh having apparently pulled off a last minute hijack of his loan move to home town club Doncaster. Looked lively against Plymouth, albeit in a lacklustre team performance, was keen to run at defenders and tried to make things happen.
