Peterborough United sign up a former player who is now an elite coach

Local lad Semple, who played 52 times for Posh between 2002-06, has earned a reputation as a fine coach. He graduated as an elite coach through a Football Association scheme before joining City as under 15 coach.

Semple was previously assistant manager to Jack Collison for Posh under 18s has been appointed as the Academy Lead Phase Coach for the under 12s-16s, also taking on the role of under 16s manager on match day.

Posh Academy director Kieran Scarff said: “Ryan worked at the Football Association with a lot of the national youth team coaches and players and for the last two years he has been working with the under 15s and 16s at Manchester City, so dealing with elite young players.

“He was already an outstanding coach when he left here before, so we are very excited to have him back working with the players and the staff within the Academy. With the Category ‘2’ application going in, we are constantly driving our standards and looking to improve what we are doing and Ryan will help with that massively.

“If you look at the top end of the Academy, you have Matthew Etherington and Simon Davies working with the under 18s and Ryan Semple working in this role, that is three former players that have come through the Academy system here at Peterborough United.

“Ryan totally fits the culture at this football club. He is genuine, hard-working, enthusiastic, all the things that myself and the first team manager look for. He is going to come in and build on the good work that has been going on. He knows the club inside out, he is passionate about Posh, he is a local lad and it is an exciting appointment.

“We are really excited about the future.”

A posh bid to be granted Academt 2 status - the second highest status available - has been accepted. It will be confirmed once Posh have been successfully audited.

Semple also played for Chester and Lincoln City, but retired from playing at the age of 23.