, Why Posh’s new midfielder is important for their promotion push

Why Posh’s new midfielder is important for their promotion push

Alex Woodyard became the Posh’s fifth summer signing just under a month ago. Steve Evans triggered a release fee believed to be £225,000, and despite the meagre fee, this may be one of the most important signings of the summer for Peterborough United.

In the 2017/18 campaign, the Posh found it hard to fill the defensive midfield position. Anthony Grant’s performances were inconsistent after the turn of the year. Chris Forrester failed to rekindle the form that saw him called up to Ireland’s provisional European Championship squad in 2016. Michael Doughty failed to make an impact during his short stay at London Road. Forrester has departed for Aberdeen, Doughty has been released, and Anthony Grant remains on the transfer list. The way has been paved for a new engine room at the Posh.

Enter, Alex Woodyard. Woodyard played 56 games in all competitions last season, and was an ever-present figure in Danny Cowley’s Lincoln side. He played a vital role in the midfield and helped the Imps achieve a place in the League Two play-offs in their first season back in the football league since their relegation in 2011.

Woodyard was the engine of the Imps’ midfield, also contributing 2 goals and 4 assists last season. Lincoln fans haven’t been afraid to voice their sadness at his departure. One fan stated they were “off to cry” amid the announcement of his transfer.

A box-to-box midfielder who “tackles nonstop” according to Posh chairman Darragh MacAnthony, Woodyard will allow his midfield partner to push on and join the attack, something Posh sides of recent years have been severely lacking, with no centre midfielder scoring more than two goals last season.

Woodyard sits in front of the back four, playing a Kante-esquerole in the middle of the park, closing down attackers and chasing loose balls. Many of Peterborough’s recent promotion winning sides have had a figure similar to Woodyard, such as Charlie Lee in 07/08, 08/09 and 10/11, and James Wesolowski in the 10/11 campaign.

Steve Evans called Woodyard a ‘natural leader’, hinting that he is in contention for the captain’s armband after former captain Jack Baldwin was placed on the transfer list followinga disappointing campaign. Evans, a Posh fan himself, compared the 25 year-old to club legend Mick Halsall.

Jack Marriott and Marcus Maddison are the names on the lips of Posh fans this summer, as they both look set to depart. However, Alex Woodyard’s transfer could be one Posh fans talk about for years to come, as he aims to be crucial part of the team that finally brings Championship football back to London Road.

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