Teenage talent to sign a long-term deal at Peterborough United and chairman is expecting big things from many players next season
Pat Sykut is to sign a new extended contract at Peterborough United.
The 18 year-old attacking player has graduated from the Posh Academy and made his senior debut last season. He also scored his first goal on his full debut in a 3-3 League One draw at home to Exeter City.
Posh chairman Darragh MacAnthony is expecting big things from his Ukraine Under 19 international next season, as well as from his teenage teammates Lucca Mendonca and Bolu Shofowoke.
"They are men now and it’s time to kick on in year two with us,” MacAnthony said during an interview with the club’s media team. “It’s a big year for Bolu, Pat, Lucca and to some extent David Kamara.
"Pat will sign a new long-term deal. It’s something we do with players when they turn 18, but we want to see progress from him. We want to him work on his body and become ripped and stronger to help him deliver in League One. You need some physical strength. It’s one thing to do fancy turns in under 18 and under 21 football, but League one is a different challenge.
"I’m also expecting more from some of the senior players in their second year now they have had a taste of League One. I’m still giving myself an A- for our recruitment last summer. It was a D the year before, but we signed some good players who did well last summer. For instance I’m excited to see how David Okagbue and Ben Woods develop and in Alex Bass we have the best goalkeeper in League One. We only had about four signings who didn’t work out.
"Those who were here at the start of last season didn’t get a pre-season with the current manager and I’m sure they will all benefit from it now. If I had a theme for this coming season I’d call it ‘hard work’ as I have never seen a management team work as hard as Luke Williams and Ryan Harley. They are relentless with double sessions and great attention to detail.
"The manager has a lot of his own staff with him as well. We have 24 players in Spain and about 16 staff members. Camps are always positive, but this one has a good feel to it because of the management team.”