Darren Ferguson: ‘I didn’t give Ryan Broom a fair crack of the whip’

Broom has started just five League One matches since signing from Cheltenham Town for a reported £300k in the summer. He was purchased to play in the ‘number 10’ role before Posh knew Sammie Szmodics was available from Bristol City.

The emergence of teenage star Flynn Clarke also persuaded Ferguson to let Broom leave.

Serhat Tasdemir also left Posh on loan yesterday. He has joined League Two side Oldham Athletic.

Ferguson said: “It was a difficult decision with Ryan. He would say he’s not had a fair crack of the whip and I would have to agree with him. I haven’t managed to get the best out of him.

“Ryan’s been unlucky, I watched him many times at Cheltenham and I liked what I saw. He played the number 10 role very well. There were things he could improve on, but I was pleased to be able to sign him.

“But a week later the chairman rang me to say we could sign Sammie Szmodics and after the way he played for us last season I couldn’t turn that opportunity down.

“I was very patient with Sammie when he was struggling this season so Ryan wasn’t playing as much as he would have liked and then Flyn Clarke emerged as well.

“I feel Sammie and Ryan are very similar ‘number 10s’ but Flynn gives me something different.

“Ryan can play wing-back, but I have Joe Ward and Idris to play there so hopefully Ryan will get some game-time now and we will see where we are at the end of the season.

“With Serhat it is about him continuing his development. He will be playing under a good manager in Harry Kewell and hopefully will also get some good game-time. It’s a good opportunity for Serhat and a good move for him as his family are all in the north. We will be monitoring his progress closely.”

Broom (24) scored one goal for Posh, as a substitute in a 3-1 home win over Swindon in October. Tasedmir (20) has started just one League One game in 18 months at Posh. He scored his only goal in an EFL Trophy win over West Ham Under 21s in December.