Peterborough United name vice-captain and the last two friendly matches will be very long and very important

The 29 year-old joined Posh on a free transfer 12 months ago, but endured a stop-start season after picking up injuries and a suspension, starting just 16 games.

But Thompson’s experience persuaded Posh boss Darren Ferguson to name him as captain Mark Beevers’ deputy.

“I had no hesitation in naming Nathan vice-captain.” Ferguson said. “With him and Mark I have two experienced talented defenders.

“Nathan is a natural leader. He’s settled in the area now and he has gone away and got himself very fit. He looks in great shape.”

Posh have now completed an excellent week of pre-season training at Ste George’s Park and now face two ‘stadium’ friendlies at Colchester United on Tuesday (August 25) and at home to Coventry City on Saturday, August 29. Both games will be played at the first-team grounds with no fans present to try and simulate the atmosphere of the first competitive matches of the season.

Both games will consist of two 90 minutes to enable all players to play a full game.

“All the lads were a credit to the club at St George’s,” Ferguson added. “They worked hard, played well and I’m enjoying the atmosphere around the place. The players and my staff have been excellent so far.

“We’ll step things up now and these two games coming up are very important. It’s important the players and the management staff get a taste of what to expect in an empty stadium and it’s important the players also get a couple of 90 minutes in their legs.”