MATCH PREVIEW: McCann tells Marcus to let his football do the talking

Peterborough United manager Grant McCann has told star man Marcus Maddison to ignore the Twitter trolls and let his football do the talking.
Marcus Maddison in action for Posh v Scunthorpe. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.Marcus Maddison in action for Posh v Scunthorpe. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.
Marcus Maddison in action for Posh v Scunthorpe. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.

Maddison, the club’s joint-top scorer this season, received abuse from Posh ‘fans’ on social media following Tuesday’s (November 22) home defeat by Scunthorpe.

The 23 year-old reacted to the criticism and immediately regretted it. McCann addressed the problem with his player before training yesterday (November 24).

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Posh fans need to realise how lucky they are to have a talent like Marcus at the club,” McCann stated.

Posh boss Grant McCann has played down Posh achievements so far this season.Posh boss Grant McCann has played down Posh achievements so far this season.
Posh boss Grant McCann has played down Posh achievements so far this season.

“Unfortunately social media can be a horrible place when you lose.

“I have a folder full of letters I have received this season when we have lost. When we win I don’t get any.

“It’s the same on Twitter. When you win you won’t get any credit. It’s the way it is. People will always want to do you down.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“The best way to deal with it is to ignore it and let your football do the talking.

Posh celebrate a goal in their 5-1 win at Oldham last season. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.Posh celebrate a goal in their 5-1 win at Oldham last season. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.
Posh celebrate a goal in their 5-1 win at Oldham last season. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.

“That’s what I’ve told Marcus and he’s a big enough character to cope. We all know what an important player he is. He’s been second to none for this club.”

McCann takes his team back to the scene of his first match as Posh manager tomorrow (November 26). Following the sacking of Dave Robertson last September, McCann picked the team for a League One game at Oldham and watched his team win 5-1.

Tomorrow it’s about Posh getting back to winning ways and maintaining their top six status. The defeat to leaders Scunthorpe followed three straight League One wins, but McCann believes 22nd-placed Oldham are in a false position.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I’m not settling for sixth,” McCann added. “Being sixth doesn’t inspire me. I want more and I will always demand more.

Posh striker Lee Angol in action against Scunthorpe. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.Posh striker Lee Angol in action against Scunthorpe. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.
Posh striker Lee Angol in action against Scunthorpe. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.

“It will be tough at Oldham though. They are where they are in the league, but they are better than that.

“They have a good blend of youth and experience and they have some gifted footballers.

“A repeat of last season would be nice, but I’m a realist.

“This league is so tight and I expect that to be the case all season. Whoever performs on the day will win any given game and we have to make sure it’s our day tomorrow.

Posh boss Grant McCann has played down Posh achievements so far this season.Posh boss Grant McCann has played down Posh achievements so far this season.
Posh boss Grant McCann has played down Posh achievements so far this season.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We have nine points from our last 12 and we want to make it 12 points from our last 15.”

McCann is without central defender Jack Baldwin because of suspension. Michael Bostwick is expected to abandon his midfield role and partner Ryan Tafazolli at the heart of the Posh back four.

Gwion Edwards would then come into midfield and there could well be a change up front with Lee Angol, who scored twice in this fixture last season, and Paul Taylor pushing Shaquile Coulthirst and Tom Nichols for their places.

“I know my team,” McCann admitted. “It’s a shame to have to change the back four, but I might take the opportunity to freshen the team up anyway.”