Summer Signings a Success?

We are now into November; the new players have gone through the “settling in” period, so have Peterborough’s new signings proved to be good acquisitions?

There were a number of new additions to the squad over the summer; Russell Martin and Sergio Torres were two of the more notable signings. There has also been some less recognisable names coming into the squad with the likes of Paul Coutts and Shaun Batt as boss Darren Ferguson looked to build a squad capable of gaining promotion immediately from League One.

So after 15 league games it’s time to look closer at the new players to see if they have impressed the fans and the manager in the early stages of their Peterborough careers.

Russell Martin – Martin was the first summer signing, and after starting every game so far this season, has shown exactly why Fergie Jr was so keen to bring him to London Road. Not only has the former Wycombe defender been a regular in the starting line up, but he has also now eanrt himself the role as captain at Peterborough.

In many ways he symbolises your typical lower league full back, not spectacular, but solid, but what does separate him from other full backs at this level is that he is consistent. At just 22 years of age as well Martin will surely only get better, and you wouldn’t find many Posh fans who would pick out faults with him so far. Rating so far 9/10.

Sergio Torres – Argentine born Torres has had a stop-start beginning to his career at Posh. An injury hasn’t helped, but the winger has failed to hit his best form so far for his new club.

A close friend of Russell Martin from their Wycombe days, the hope was the two would resume their partnership at Peterborough, but as of yet it hasn’t happened. The quality of the skilful winger is not doubted, now the hope is he can stay injury free, get a good run in the side, and ultimately help The Posh in their bid for promotion. Rating so far 6/10.

Paul Coutts – You would struggle to find a Peterborough fan who would have heard of the Scottish midfielder before he arrived at London Road in the summer. He made the move from non league Cove Rangers in Scotland, where he was voted non league player of the year.

There is no doubt so far he has impressed, and somewhat surprisingly has forced himself into the starting line-up ahead of the likes of Micah Hyde and Dean Keates, in the centre of midfield. Manager Ferguson has described his performances as “magnificent” and not many Posh fans would disagree with that description. Rating so far 8/10.

Shaun Batt – Signing from non-league Fisher Athletic, the 21 year old winger was given a one year contract to impress, after a successful trial period. He can play on either wing, and has great pace, if not the technical ability yet to match it.

He scored his first goal for Peterborough in the away win at Walsall in October, and since then has been involved regularly with the first team. Rating so far 7/10.

Dominic Green – Teenager Green did enough to impress the Posh scouts in his tine at Dagenham and Redbridge to earn him a move to London Road. He made himself an instant hero with the fans when he came off the bench to score the winner against MK Dons early on in the season.

The youngster is yet to establish himself as a regular in the side, but has shown glimpses of what he is capable of to show he has been a good purchase. Rating so far 7/10.

Gabriel Zakuani (on loan from Fulham)– After two spells at loan at Championship side Stoke in the last two seasons, the African defender should find life in League One a walk in the park...and so it is proving so far. Forming a solid partnership with Craig Morgan, the centre back is yet to taste defeat as a Peterborough player after nine games.

The hope now for Peterborough fans is that the loan spell will be made permanent, and if this was to happen it will undoubtedly improve the chances of a second successive promotion for The Posh. Rating so far 9/10.