New Peterborough United signing praises impact of David Okagbue in convincing him to sign

24-year-old defender Evan Weir was officially announced as a Peterborough United player on Thursday (June 11).

He joins from League Two Walsall on a free transfer, with his Posh contract officially beginning on July 1.

Weir is able to operate on the left side of defence, as a left-back or left wingback, as well as at centre-back.

He mostly played on the left side for Walsall last season as they finished 13th. He made 34 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring four goals and providing four assists.

He joined Walsall at the beginning of the 2024/25 season following the completion of the season in the Republic of Ireland, where he was playing for Drogheda.

That season he appeared 19 times alongside David Okagube in the backline before Okagbue joined Posh. The pair played in a back three together as Posh beat Walsall 4-2 at London Road in the Vertu Trophy in January 2024.

The majority of Weir’s starts did come in the second half of the season when Walsall were on their almighty slump, which saw them slip from well clear at the top of the division into the play-off places.

Weir was seen playing golf with Okagbue on the Posh man's Instagram, which ramped up the rumours that Weir was in fact the early signing Posh had secured after the deal was teased by MacAnthony.

Okagbue has helped Weir to make the move to Peterborough and has been praised by the new man.

He said: “I started off last season really well, I was enjoying my football and putting some good performance in and then the call came in that there was interest from the club.

“Making the step-up to League One was something I wanted to do and as soon as Posh came in, I was all guns blazing and went for it no problem. David spoke really highly about the club and it was an easy yes.

“Dave gave me all the ins and outs of the place, said he really enjoys it and that it would be perfect for me. I trust him.

“As soon as we said we were coming, he was giving us advice on places to live, distance from the training ground and the stadium. He’s introduced me to one or two of the lads and it’s made things a lot easier going into pre-season. It’s definitely a positive thing to have him here.

“I am eager to learn off the lads in the dressing room and make the step up and see how high we can go in the table. I want to make a good start, stay fit and enjoy the year.

When asked about his playing style, Weir said: “I like a free-kick, I don’t mind set-pieces and like to get assists if possible. I also don’t mind a tackle. The odd yellow card does go against me, I’ve settled down but I do like a good tackle.

"I like to take set-pieces, I have scored a few goals and hopefully that will continue here. League One is a really exciting league with the teams coming down from the Championship, they are going to be good occasions, and I am really excited to play in front of the supporters,"

“I like to go out onto the pitch and enjoy my football. You have to run for it and do your best to get the team three points. I’ve wanted this job since I was a kid so now that I’m here I've got to keep going. I go out there everyday knowing how lucky I am to be able to play football for a living.

I’m really looking forward to it, I think it will be a year of learning and improving and I’m so happy to be here.”

Posh boss Luke Williams added: “Evan is a really positive player, he can fend for himself as a defender, but he can also join in attacks and deliver into the box well. He makes a lot of progressive passes and was one of the most productive players in terms of forward passing in League Two last season.

"He is a terrific striker of a dead ball, which is rare, there is a fine art to it. He has excellent technique and can generate a lot of power, so we look forward to having that as an additional tool. I am looking forward to working with him."