Bristol Rovers have ruled themselves out of the running for Peterborough United striker Jonson Clarke-Harris, according to Bristol Live.
The 29-year-old came close to joining the Gas in the summer, three years after leaving the Memorial Stadium for Cambridgeshire. Despite coming off the back of a 29-goal season, Peterborough were keen to cash in rather than run the risk of losing him for free next summer.
Rovers left it late but finally agreed a record £800,000 fee with their League One rivals on deadline day. However, the relevant paperwork failed to be submitted in time and the deal fell through.
Clarke-Harris remained at the club and it was expected that his former team would revisit the deal once the market reopened in January. Since then though, Joey Barton has been replaced by Matt Taylor and it is said that the new manager does not share the same interest in the player as his predecessor.
Peterborough are still keen to cash in next month and Darren Ferguson has relegated the two-time League One golden boot winner to a bit-part role at the Weston Homes Stadium. He has played just 10 minutes of league football in the last five games, whilst he was an unused substitute in the last three.
Director of football Barry Fry has also confirmed that Bristol Rovers are no longer in the running, although revealed that two other third tier clubs have expressed an interest. Via Peterborough Telegraph, the 78-year-old said;
“I’ve spoken to the Bristol Rovers owner and he said Joey Barton was the man behind trying to sign Clarke-Harris. The new manager is not interested so they won’t be coming back for him.
“But two other League One clubs are interested so hopefully Jonno will get the move he deserves. He’s been brilliant for us.”
Peterborough are flying at the moment and have moved into the League One automatic spots. They travel to Shrewsbury Town tomorrow as they look to keep the pressure on leaders Portsmouth. Bristol Rovers meanwhile lie in 11th and take the trip to promotion-chasing Blackpool.
Writer’s View
Peterborough have made no secret of their desire to get Jonson Clarke-Harris off their books and Darren Ferguson’s recent decision to not utilise the player seems to indicate that he is already planning for life without him.
The striker was keen to join Bristol Rovers in the summer and may be disappointed that this move will no longer materialise. However, there are other clubs looking and it will be interesting to see if some of the promotion contenders come knocking. He could be the catalyst for a team like a Derby County or a Barnsley to help get them over the line come May.
Head of Writing
