I decided to pick a composite best XI from all three squads with the proviso the individuals had to have played in more than half of the regular season League One matches.
The 2008-09 and 2020-21 teams finished runners-up and won automatic promotion. The 2010-11 side finished fourth and won the play-offs, but Ferguson only returned to replace Gary Johnson as manager midway through that season.
I’ve selected a 4-2-3-1 formation to best suit the players at my disposal. It was tough and I’ve had to leave out so many players who had outstanding Posh careers. Any one of the three regular right-backs would have been worthy selections.
I’m sure my team would the League One title though!
Let me know what you think...
5.
CENTRE-BACK: GABY ZAKUANI: 2008-09: 32 apps. 2010-11: 30 appsTheir partnership was so strong it’s impossible to have anyone else, but Gaby Zakuani alongside Bennett. They complemented each other perfectly with Zakuani’s toughness and safety-first defending approach the complete opposite of his very stylish partner. They were outstanding together at the heart of the Posh defence as Huddersfield were seen off 3-0 in the 2011 League One play-off final at Old Trafford. Zakuani was a warrior and every side should have one of those. The DR Congo international was also a mainstay of the successful 2008-09 squad. Captain Mark Beevers enjoyed a sound campaign for the 2020-21 side when his experience proved vital in a most unusual season.
6.
CENTRAL MIDFIELD: GRANT MCCANN: 2010-11: 37 apps. Ferguson inherited a team well-suited to the midfield diamond when he returned to Posh in January, 2011 and Grant McCann was key to making it work so well. He sat at the base orchestrating play thanks to a fine range of passing. He had James Wesolowski alongside him for many matches and the Aussie will always be remembered for a goal-saving tackle at a key moment in the play-off semi-final against MK Dons. McCann is a shoo-in for most all-time Posh great XIs especially when considering his set-piece prowess. Reece Brown and Ethan Hamilton qualify as candidates from the 2020-21 side and enjoyed good moments, but McCann is way out in front of both.
7.
CENTRE MIDFIELD: JACK TAYLOR: 2020-21: 36 apps. There have been some top performers playing in central midfield for Posh. After a slow start Dean Keates became an excellent goal-grabbing performer from the middle of the park in back-to-back promotions and his partnership with smooth-running Paul Coutts was a key factor in the 2008-09 run to automatic promotion. Coutts was class, but he never scored a goal for Posh which is baffling. I’d say Jack Taylor hasn’t scored as many goals as he’s capable of for the current Posh squad, but he is often deployed in deep positions. It’s a minor complaint though as Taylor is a terrific all-round talent with no major flaws at all. He’ll get a full international cap for Ireland next season.
8.
NUMBER 10: LEE TOMLIN: 2010-11: 37 apps. You could make a strong case for current star Sammie Szmodics for a role just behind the forward line. His energy and attitude were as impressive as his finishing, certainly in the second half of last season. Tommy Rowe from the 2010-11 squad could play the role at a push, but there is only one possible selection for a position that demands vision, passing quality and finishing ability and that’s Lee Tomlin. Has there been a more naturally gifted performer in a Posh shirt than Tomlin? I can’t think of one. He was a genius with the ball at his feet, although like many mavericks he had a side to him that could frustrate and annoy, particularly referees. I’d have Szmodics in my squad to cover for the inevitable Tomlin suspensions!