'Redemption' season ahead for latest Peterborough United U21 signing - a squad that also now involves a player who's been at London Road for 10 years
Peterborough United Academy graduate Joel Odei-Larbi has nominated 2024-25 as his ‘redemption’ season.
The 18 year-old forward has signed a short-term professional contract at the Weston Homes Stadium as he seeks to prove the injury issues that disrupted his form last season are in the past.
It’s clear Posh fancy a fully fit Odel-Larbi will be an asset to the first-team squad. He’s been handed a three-month contract as suggested in the club's retained list which was issued in May.
The teenager is quick strong and he can finish.
"I’ve very happy the club has shown so much belief in me,” Odei-Larbi told the Posh Plus service. “I’ve had to battle against a few downs because of injuries, but I’m now looking forward to the new season. Hopefully it will be a redemption season.
"I need to stay healthy and then stay on top of my performances. If I can do that I am confident I will progress and do well. I’ve been coming in during the summer and I have my plans from the coaches. Knowing they believe in my is a big help. If you have that support you can go far.
"I believe I have developed into my body now so it’s the perfect time for me to kick on. I am very excited about the new season.”
Ode-Larbi will start the new campaign with the club’s under 21 squad as has another Academy graduate Ollie Rose, a centre-back. Former Welling United striker David Kamara has also joined the under 21 squad.
Rose (18) has been with Posh since he was nine and he played regularly for the under 18s and under 21s last season.
Rose said: “I am buzzing, and it means a lot. I have worked really hard to get to this position and I know I have to work even harder now I am at this stage. I have been at the club a long time. I joined right at the start of the journey and to get to this point is an achievement, but I this is where I have to knuckle down and get the best I can out of myself.
"I have played the majority of my time so far as a centre back, but I feel I can play in a few other positions and hopefully that versatility can prove important moving forward. I will work hard during the summer to come back raring to go.”