It’s doubtful any Posh fans would argue with the decision to let any of the players on the transfer list leave. Getting rid of them might prove troublesome. though. Two of them were on the transfer list last season and attracted little interest other than loan moves.
That might be the way Posh get the majority of the ‘unwanted eight’ out of the club initially. Fees, apart from nominal ones, are unlikely to be offered for players whose reputations have hardly been enhanced in their time at London Road.
Here, the PT assesses the immediate future of the transfer-listed players including where they might end up.
1. CHRIS CONN-CLARKE
Attacking player signed in June 2024 for an undisclosed fee after a ‘National League player-of-the-season’ campaign with Altrincham, but lacked the speed or quality to make the step up. One goal in 30 Posh appearances (17 starts) before the 24 year-old was loaned to National League side Carlisle United last October. Started well for ‘The Cumbrians’ but faded badly starting just 15 games in all competitions and scoring just once, at the start of November. He was a substitute when Carlisle were knocked out of the National League play-offs by Boreham Wood. VERDIC: There was little EFL interest when Conn-Clarke was made available for transfer last season and there’s no reason to believe that will change now after an uninspiring loan spell at National League level. Would need to accept a wage cut to leave. Under contract at Posh until the end of next season when the club have an option to extend, but they won’t! Best guess, if Carlisle are fed up with him, is a team like Hartlepool, or, if he’s lucky, Accrington Stanley. Photo: Joe Dent
2. DECLAN FRITH
Spending a ‘substantial fee’ on a former Aston Villa winger who played in the Swiss second tier with FC Thun last summer has proven to be a reckless gamble. The 23 year-old started just 8 League One games last season, scoring once and falling below a 17 year-old in the Posh pecking order. Incidentally FC Thun won the Swiss top flight for the first time by some distance last season. VERDICT: With a ‘substantial’ fee would come a decent contract, one which has two seasons left to run. That will be problematic, but he’s only had one season in the EFL with a team who played poorly so there could be a League Two club, like Walsall, prepared to take a punt. Posh would expect a fee though and another whose wages will likely be an issue for lower level clubs. Photo: DAVID LOWNDES
3. CIAN HAYES
This direct-running winger didn’t show enough in two seasons to warrant another go in a Posh first-team squad. Only 33 of his 78 Posh appearances following his arrival from Fleetwood for an undisclosed fee in July 2024 have been starts. He scored seven times. Hayes has one year left on his Posh contract. VERDICT: Hayes showed his best form when on loan at Rochdale and they could be promoted from the National League on Sunday. If so they would then be looking to strengthen. Photo: DAVID LOWNDES
4. BRAD IHIONVIEN
Legendary Posh boss Darren Ferguson pretty much found this striker unmanageable. It was always a weird Posh signing, one seemingly based on a powerful performance against the club’s under 21 side. The 22 year-old had only started 7 games for Colchester when Posh signed him for an undisclosed fee in August, 2024. Ihionvien managed 20 Posh appearances, scoring three times, including a goal that helped Posh to Wembley, but he was painfully limited and still has one year on his existing deal. VERDICT: League Two Shrewsbury took him on loan last August and he started ok there until picking up a serious injury. ‘The Shrews’ have changed manager since so they might not want him. The lower end of League Two is probably his limit though so maybe Tranmere or Cheltenham. Photo: Joe Dent