Peterborough United have today confirmed the loan signing of Bradford City forward Aaron McLean. He will join Posh on a ten week contract, which could turn into a permanent move in January.
McLean has rejoined the team with whom he made a name for himself in the Football League, scoring 84 goals in 187 appearances before leaving for Hull City four-and-a-half-years later. He is eligible to play both in the league and FA Cup.
In an interview with the posh.com, McLean spoke of his delight at returning to London Road:
“It’s great to be back.
“This is where I enjoyed my best days in football and I’m absolutely buzzing about my return.
“As soon as I heard Peterborough were interested in me, this was the only place I was going to come. There were other teams interested in me, but I’ve joined up with a the manager who knows me best and who knows how to get the best out of me.”
Although he did not enjoy a lot of personal success away from London Road, McLean still spoke with fondness of his time at Hull City and Bradford City.
“I’ve enjoyed my times at Hull and at Bradford. I was asked to gamble, running off another striker at Bradford which is why it didn’t work out for me. That’s not my game. I want to play as a number nine and I want to score goals.
“That’s the aim now I’m here. I’m here until the end of January and who knows after that?”
Were Peterborough United to consider offering the 31-year-old a permanent contract in the winter, the striker’s wages would most likely prove a stumbling block: unless McLean would be willing to take a sentimental slice from his wages.
Manager Darren Ferguson was equally happy with the return of one third of his famous ‘Holy Trinity’.
“I think Aaron will give everyone a lift on and off the field. He knows how I work and I know what he can bring to the team.
“I know he can score goals at this level. He will bring competition for places, which I feel is really needed at this moment in time.”
Bradford manager, Phil Parkinson, also wished McLean luck on his Peterborough exploits.
“It’s a good move and I’m pleased for Aaron. It’s a good opportunity for him to go down there and get some games. Peterborough expressed an interest as soon as we made him available and that’s where he preferred to go.
“A few clubs came in for him straight away but it’s taken a bit of time to get the deal agreed with Peterborough. I hope he does well there.”
McLean is currently fifth in Peterborough United’s all time Football League scoring charts with 71 goals (league matches). He needs just 16 more goals to reach his century of Peterborough United goals in all competitions. Can he reach it before the loan expires?
