Peterborough United award contracts to three Academy graduates

Goalkeeper Will Blackmore, midfielder Archie Jones and striker Brad Rolt have all been handed devoplment contracts by first-team manager Darren Ferguson.

“Archie is a great lad, a wonderful personality and is a tough lad who really wants to be a player,” Ferguson said. “Brad is a goal-scorer. His movement is very good. He knows what areas he needs to work on, but his work ethic, the way he presses and scores goals have been good.

“Will missed a bit of time last season through injury, he has a lot of potential and there is a lot to like about him.

“I don’t just give these contracts out willy-nilly; I gave a lot of thought in these decisions. I don’t want to give people false hope, I think it is important that they are given 12 months to see what level they can get too whilst training full-time with us.”

All three players have trained with the first team and been part of the squad in the opening pre-season friendlies. Rolt scored the first Posh goal of the pre-season, in the 1-0 win at Stamford AFC.

Jones and Rolt are expected to go out on loan.