Peterborough United manager on the chances of signing Sammie Szmodics permanently, his favourite Posh memory, the best players he’s worked with, which player he’d re-sign if he could, banning his father, Marcus Maddison and who are the club’s ‘Laurel and Hardy’

Posh manager Darren Ferguson raved about the 24 year-old’s impact at Posh since moving to the Weston Homes Stadium on loan from Bristol City in January during a ‘q & a’ session with the club’s media team.

Szmodics has scored four goals in 14 appearances and played a huge part in an impressive run of Posh form before football was locked down.

Ferguson said: “If we go up Sammie is certainly one we would try and sign and I believe he would be interested, but we would need promotion to have a chance.

“He’s filled Marcus Maddison position superbly. He’s been a fantastic signing and he’s definitely taken us to another level.

“He’s a great lad and a top character as well. He’s a running number 10. He is good at getting beyond a back four onto Ivan Toney’s flicks. He’s very good technically and he can see a pass. He’s also very good at pressing so he ticks a lot of boxes. He certainly wouldn’t be out of place in the Championship.”

Other questions and answers from the Ferguson interview..

If you could re-sign any Posh player past or present who would it be?

Defender: Ryan Bennett. Midfielder: George Thorne, a class act when fully fit. Striker: I’ve had too many good ones so it would be unfair to pick one out.

What’s your favourite managerial memory?

Most of my best ones have been with Posh. Obviously winning the League One play-off final at Old Trafford was special, but winning my first promotion at Hereford was the best.

What’s your favourite game of the current season?

Performance-wise we were very good at MK Dons, but in terms of importance for the players and fans, as it gave us the confidence and self-belief to kick on, it has to be the home win over Rotherham.

What’s your favourite holiday destination?

I went ski-ing in Chamonix which I enjoyed more than I thought I would, but we spent five days in Reykjavik, Iceland which was absolutely brilliant.

What are your box set recommendations for isolation?

I’ve just watched the Hunters with Al Pacino which was different, but very good. I’ve watched all of Curb Your Enthuisasm which is outstanding and I’m currently watching El Chapo which is very good,

Do you like Marmite?

No

Would failing to win promotion with Ivan Toney in your side be classed as a failure?

No because it’s never about one player and Ivan would admit that. We’ve had a lot of free-scoring strikers here and not gone up.

I would say I’ve not met my own expectations with the squad so far, but I believe we will finish in the top two this season as we recruited well in January and the balance of the squad is now good.

If we do go up it would be one hell of an achievement because the circumstances are unique. Current form won’t count for anything when we resume because of the long break.

Why did you come back to Posh?

I want to manage in the Championship again and this club always has a chance to get there. For whatever reason me and the chairman work well together.

Who is the funniest player at the club?

We have got some funny players and some players whose banter is terrible. Frankie Kent has a bit about him and when he gets with Sammie Szmodics they are like Laurel and Hardy.

What does your father, Sir Alex Ferguson, think about the current squad?

He thinks we’re decent and not far away. He’s still a jinx though. The last two games he saw were Fleetwood away and Doncaster at home so he’s not coming again.

What are your thoughts on the new Posh stadium?

It has to be good for the whole community and should attract more people. For the club it should generate extra revenue and help take us a different level. It certainly shows the ambition of the owners.

Will you have any more dealings with Marcus Maddison?

He won’t be back at Posh for sure. He’s on loan to Hull until the end of June and they have an agreement to sign him for a set price. If that doesn’t happen Marcus can go where he wants on a free transfer.

Marcus did well for Posh. I always got on well with him, but it was the right time for him to go.

Who’s the best player you’ve ever managed?

That’s hard, but in terms of character as well as ability George Boyd has to be up there. His attitude is the same in training as it is in matches.

Away from Posh I would loved to have worked with James Coppinger five years earlier than I did at Doncaster. He had tremendous ability and fitness. He was just an outstanding professional footballer.

What’s the worst part of self-isolation?

Just not being at work every day. I miss the banter, the tactical work and the excitement of matchday on a Saturday or Tuesday.