Posh chief still waiting for an apology from Bolton’s Ricardo Santos, but he praises the attitude of Callum Cooke who took a pay cut to join Bradford City

Posh co-owner Darragh MacAnthony believes former player Ricardo Santos owes the club an apology.
Ricardo Santos celebrates a Posh goal at Doncaster.Ricardo Santos celebrates a Posh goal at Doncaster.
Ricardo Santos celebrates a Posh goal at Doncaster.

MacAnthony was asked on his popular ‘Hard Truth’ podcast why Santos flopped at London Road.

The 25 year-old has since become one of the stars of Bolton Wanderers’ push for promotion from League Two.

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“I played a part in signing Ricardo from the middle of nowhere,” MacAnthony recalled. “We paid Thurrock about £8k for him as we thought he had great potential. He was a good size for a centre-back and he could play a bit.

Callum Cooke in action for Posh.Callum Cooke in action for Posh.
Callum Cooke in action for Posh.

“He was inconsistent, but that was to expected. One game he’d look like Bobby Moore and the next he’d look like Reg Varney.

“Many people didn’t believe me, but I had a call from the Portuguese FA about Ricardo. They were genuinely monitoring his progress.

“My manager at the time Graham Westley loved him, but, and I’m sure Ricardo would admit this, his attitude could have been better.

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“Eventually we let him go. He joined Barnet and he said some ‘s****y’ things about our club. He’s never apologised, but he should.

“Maybe he’s grown up now. He’s certainly at a massive club with huge potential and I’m genuinely pleased for him.”

Santos moved to Posh in January, 2014 and made 75 appearances, scoring one goal, a memorable last minute winner in a big League One game at Doncaster in 2016.

He left for Barnet on a free transfer in January, 2017 and the following season irritated Posh fans who accused him of making inflammatory gestures as the Bees secured a shock 3-1 League Cup success at London Road.

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Bolton snapped him up at the start of the current season and he’s been an ever present in a side pushing hard for an automatic promotion spot.

He won the League Two player-of-the-month for February.

MacAnthony had kinder words for ex-Posh midfielder Callum Cooke who is enjoying a fine season with League Two giants Bradford City

MacAnthony said: “It didm’t work out for Callum with us, but he conducted himself brilliantly. He took a wage cut to join Bradford and didn’t ask us for a penny to make the move happen. That tells me he’s a player more interested in his career than the money he could make.”