Peterborough United head coach Darren Ferguson has received huge praise from Wycombe Wanderers boss Matt Bloomfield ahead of this Sunday’s EFL Trophy final.
The Posh are heading into this showdown off the back of some inconsistent form. A 1-0 defeat at home to league leaders Portsmouth is not a shameful result. However, a 3-1 loss to Carlisle United on Good Friday at the Weston Homes Stadium was one of the most surprising results of the season.
Ferguson’s men are now sitting eight points behind the final automatic promotion spot, currently occupied by Derby County, although they still have two games in hand on the Rams. But Peterborough’s league form will have to take a back seat this weekend ahead of the side’s trip to Wembley.
Right place, right time… 👊#pufc pic.twitter.com/j5lLswJD70
— Peterborough United (@theposh) April 1, 2024
The last time Peterborough United faced Wycombe was back at the beginning of February at Adams Park. The Chairboys came away with an emphatic 5-2 victory as Posh’s goalkeeper Max Stryjek had a performance to forget following numerous mistakes whilst trying to play out from the back which gifted Bloomfield’s side goals.
Meanwhile, Wycombe Wanderers are 12 points above the relegation zone, having all but mathematically confirmed their spot in League One next season. The Buckinghamshire outfit will be hoping to pick up their first trophy in decades in the home of English football.
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Speaking ahead of the match, Blues head coach Bloomfield was full of praise for his counterpart, admitting that he is perplexed as to why Ferguson is not linked with “higher jobs” [quotes via the Bucks Free Press]:
“They’ve got players that can hurt you, especially in the wide areas who have a lot of ability, as they play a style of football which is ingrained in them,” he said.
“Darren has done a brilliant job and it fascinates me that he’s not linked to higher jobs when they come about.
“We respect them, but we’ve got players in the wide areas that can also hurt our opponents.”
Writer’s View
Ferguson has never really excelled at a higher level than League One. During his time in the Championship with Peterborough United and Preston North End, the seasons never quite went to plan. However, he is a better manager now than ever before. Taking the Posh back to the second tier and keeping them there would be an incredible feat for the former Premier League winner.
Now, the 52-year-old has the chance to repeat Peterborough’s 2013/14 victory in the EFL Trophy a decade on. His squad will certainly be focused ahead of their trip to Wembley this weekend, meaning underdogs Wycombe have to be at their very best.
Deputy Head of Writing