We issued one ‘A’ grade and five ‘B’ grades, but most have struggled to get a satisfactory rating.
We haven’t marked forwards Jack Marriott, Joel Randall and Ricky-Jade Jones as their seasons have been ruined by serious injury, although the former would definitely be in the ‘can do better’ camp judged on his few displays so far.
Manager Darren Ferguson would be another hovering between a C and a D grade, although he hasn’t been helped by the departure of coach Mark Robson.
Grading key: A=Outstanding, B=Good, C:Satisfactory, D+Can do better; E=Terrible: F=Failure.
5. D JOE TOMLINSON
Championship starts/goals: 2/0. The summer signing from non-league started the first game of the season albeit in an unfamiliar position and didn’t start again until last Saturday even though the left-side of the Posh defence could hardly be described as secure. Butler’s horror injury opened the door for an early substitute appearance against Millwall and Tomlinson was excellent. He can play off either foot and his set-piece deliveries are good.
6. D CONOR COVENTRY
Championship starts/goals: 4/0. Considering how long Posh pursued this Ireland Under 21 international midfielder in the summer he’s been a big disappointment and it’s hard to see him staying at the club for much longer given parent club West Ham United have a recall clause in his loan deal. He looks tidy rather than dynamic and has little chance of breaking into what has become the first-choice midfield.
7. D JONSON CLARKE-HARRIS
Championship starts/goals: 14/4. It’s been a season of immense frustration for last season’s 33-goal man, a lot of it self-inflicted as historic tweets led to a ban after fitness issues caused a stop-start opening to the campaign. He’s had his moments with a winning goal v Millwall and an equaliser v Huddersfield, both times after coming off the bench which is where he might always find himself once January transfer business is concluded.
8. D Plus FRANKIE KENT
Championship starts/goals: 14/0. The manager appears to have lost faith in one of the more reliable performers of the League One promotion season. Costly errors have been Kent’s downfall as some of his early-season displays were better than most. He wasn’t helped by changing defensive positions, but he’s good enough to come again before the season is over. He’s comfortable in possession which helps.