Easy job for Peterborough United boss ahead of a huge game against Derby County

Peterborough United ​boss Darren Ferguson reckons he has an easy job before Saturday’s League One clash with play-off rivals Derby County at the Weston Homes Stadium on Saturday.
Posh boss Darren Ferguson at Lincoln City last weekend. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.Posh boss Darren Ferguson at Lincoln City last weekend. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.
Posh boss Darren Ferguson at Lincoln City last weekend. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.

A near full-house with the Rams set to be supported by close to 4,000 travelling fans for a massive match against a big club, which could have a huge bearing on the race for a top six finish, is all the motivation Fergie’s players will need.

Posh will start the game four points behind Derby so it’s more of a must-win match for the home side. Both clubs have nine League One matches left to play.

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"Motivation will be easy,” Ferguson insisted. “There’s no point pretending this is anything other than a big match.

"The league table shows you that. The fact there will be a full house and therefore a great atmosphere does the same.

"We are still playing catch-up so the incentive for us to win is massive, but Derby will want to at least keep the gap between us so it’s big for them as well. They suffered an upset last weekend (they lost 2-0 at home to Fleetwood), but that can happen. It will just make them more determined to bounce back.

"It should be another great occasion as I expect Derby will come at us and we will certainly be going at them. I’m expecting a very good game between two excellent footballing sides.

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"We are full of confidence after two very good away wins. They were important wins as well as they proved the players believe they can still get into the play-offs and then win promotion.

"Derby have good experience throughout their side and plenty of quality in all areas, but then so do we.”

There will be one quality absentee for both sides on Saturday as Posh central defender Ronnie Edwards is on England Under 20 duty, while Derby midfielder Jason Knight is away with the senior Ireland squad.

Josh Knight will replace Edwards in the starting line-up, with on-loan Newcastle centre-back Kell Watts expected back for the Oxford United game at London Road on April 1.

Saturday’s match is an all-ticket affair with tickets available from www.theposhtickets.com or the stadium box office.