POSH INTERVIEW: Happy Harry is a youngster with important experience

Harry Toffolo during his debut for Posh at Gillingham. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.

The left-back, who signed on loan from Norwich City last week, made an impressive debut in Posh’s 2-1 League One defeat at Gillingham on Saturday (January 23).

But that came as no surprise to those who had seen him play for Swindon at this level last season, a team he helped into the play-offs playing a brand of football not dis-similar to that currently employed by Posh boss Graham Westley.

“This club has a Swindon ‘feel’ to it,” Toffolo stated after his debut. “I told the manager when I got here that I’m only 20, but I bring experience of a promotion push to the table.

“I didn’t realise how young this squad was until I got here. There are some experienced players, but mostly it’s very technically-gifted young players who are very fit.

“The lads have made me feel very welcome, the manager has been great with me and so far it’s been very enjoyable. I even get to live at home with my family and enjoy my mother’s cooking (his family home is in Stevenage). When I was on loan at Rotherham earlier this season I was living in a hotel and eating at Pizza Express and Nando’s every night.

“I’ve been very impressed with the standard of player as well. We were exceptional in the first half at Gillingham. I was told it was the best we’d played all season, but the second-half performance was unacceptable for a team pushing for promotion.

“Obviously I’m pleased that people felt my first performance was good, but it’s all about the team for me. I’m actually lacking a bit of match fitness.

“But the good thing about playing in League One and the Championship is there is always an immediate chance to bounce back. We have a home game against another promotion challenger on Tuesday (January 26) and it’s important we show that we are not a team to be messed with and get a positive result.”

Toffolo’s appearance at Gillingham was his first competitive outing since December 5. He played eight times for Rotherham and has made one League Cup appearance for Norwich.

Posh host second-placed Burton in a League One fixture at the ABAX Stadium tomorrow (7.45pm kick off). A win would take Westley’s men into the top six.