Peterborough United’s new assistant manager has worked with Darren Ferguson before and the latest on George Cooper

That was bound to increase speculation that Kevin Russell is on his way back to the Weston Homes Stadium, but the Peterborough Telegraph understands this is not the case, although Ferguson’s target is currently working for a Football League club.

Ferguson and Russell steered Posh to back-to-back promotions in the 2007-08 & 2008-09 seasons and the club’s last promotion to the Championship in 2010-11. Russell has been working for Stoke City’s academy since leaving London Road in 2015 and he’s expected to stay there.

There’s a vacancy at Posh as Gavin Strachan left to become head coach at Celtic.

Ferguson said: “I’m 90% down the road with appointing a new assistant manager. I hope to be able to announce it before the senior players return to training on July 20.

“The new man was my first choice. I’ve worked with him before and he is an outstanding coach.

“I tend to do over 50% of the coaching myself anyway, but next season will be relentless with games on Saturday. Tuesday, Saturday because of the late start so I will need help.

“Matthew Etherington (youth team coach) will step up to coach the under 23s and be with the first team for one day a week.”

Ferguson was due to return to training today (July 6) with 10 younger players from the Posh first-team squad.

He confirmed he is seeking a midfielder as well as a striker to replace Ivan Toney. A back-up goalkeeper to Christy Pym will be announced soon.

Ferguson confirmed George Cooper will attend pre-season training with Posh after a successful loan spell at promoted League Two side Plymouth last season.

“George will be with us,” Ferguson added. “I rate him as a player, but I felt he had some maturing to do and he has gone away and done that at Plymouth. It was right for him to leave us when he did. but I am happy to have him back.

“I’m sure Plymouth want him, but they can’t get near what we want for him. I have a position in mind for George next season. He has great ability and balance, he can score goals and create them and hopefully he can kick on with us next season.

“I’ve had a chat with him. I’ve always got on well with him and he’s excited about coming back.”