It has today been announced by Peterborough’s club media channels, that defender Peter Kioso has been recalled by parent club Rotherham United.
The recall is with immediate effect and although expected given his performances for the League One outfit this season, still comes as a huge blow to the club’s promotion hopes.
Kioso has been a rock at the back for Posh this season, turning out 27 times during his spell at London Road. Despite only being a loan player, the defender’s impact on the club was so great that manager Darren Ferguson named him club captain in September.
His last performance for the club was a notable one, as he helped defeat fellow promotion-hopefuls Derby County 3-2 at Pride Park on New Year’s Day.
Despite going 1-0 down after less than 30 seconds it would be Peterborough who would come out of the heavyweight clash with all three points thanks to a 94th minute Ricky-Jade Jones strike. The win keeps Posh in 3rd, now three points clear of the aforementioned Derby with Ferguson’s side unbeaten in their last nine League One matches.
Kioso has been instrumental to the club’s success during that run however someone must now step-up with the news of the defender being recalled by his parent club Rotherham.
Although he only joined Peterborough in the summer on loan, the Millers inserted a recall clause in the contract which would allow the 24-year-old to return to Yorkshire in January.
It is expected that Kioso will go straight into the Millers’ matchday squad when the club return to Championship action in a week’s time. Sat at the foot of the Championship table, a full seven points from safety, manager Leam Richardson will be hoping that the defender can have the desired impact to help keep the club’s second tier status.
It is believed that one of Jadel Katongo, on loan from Manchester City or James Dornelly will fill the vacant spot at right-back for their FA Cup clash with Leeds United on Sunday. However it looks likely that the right side of defence may now be a position that Ferguson looks to strengthen in January in light of today’s news.
Writer’s View
The recall is something which no doubt many Peterborough fans would’ve seen coming but it is certainly not something they would’ve wanted. It has the potential to put a significant dent in their promotion ambitions and players will now be expected to step-up in Kioso’s absence.
Posh do have some money to flaunt about in January and it would not be surprising to see a new right-back come through the doors at London Road. Who could that be is a different question however.