Peterborough United’s chances of securing the services of Peter Kioso this summer have been dealt a blow with new Rotherham United manager Steve Evans insisting that he is in next season’s plans.
Kioso was allowed to leave the Millers on loan last summer and would spend the first half of the season at Peterborough. During that time he became a firm fan favourite at London Road and it didn’t seem as if that would be the last time that the defender would play for the club.
The right-back excelled during his stay at London Road and displayed his obvious qualities during his stint in League One. It’s fair to say it was a fairly harsh decision by former manager Matt Taylor, who was responsible for loaning the defender out and he would quickly be recalled by Rotherham in the January window after Taylor was sacked.
Upon arriving back at the AESSEAL Stadium, Kioso became an instant starter and has been in the starting lineup eleven times since his return. He would’ve no doubt started far more had it not been for a calf injury which has seen him on the sidelines since mid-March bar a short cameo against Birmingham City two weeks ago.
With Rotherham now under their third manager of the year, Steve Evans, there were questions as to whether Kioso would be in the former Stevenage man’s plans for next season. Those questions were rather quickly answered in an interview with the Rotherham Advertiser.
“’PK (Peter Kioso) is a really good player. He was excellent – stunning at times – for Peterborough. I’ve had a chat with him and told him he’s very much in the plans here.”
“My mind boggles as to why he was in League One when he’s a Rotherham United player.”
That doesn’t necessarily rule out a potential summer transfer to Peterborough, however Kioso seems far more wanted by Steve Evans than previous managers at the club.
Given that Rotherham have been relegated to the third tier, they could be direct rivals to Posh next season if Darren Ferguson’s side do not achieve promotion via the play-offs and that will certainly affect a potential asking price.
Nonetheless, with a huge two-legged tie against Oxford United in the play-off semi-finals, starting this weekend, Ferguson’s mind will very much that rather than lining up potential summer transfer targets.
Writer’s View
There’s probably not a single Peterborough fan who wouldn’t want Kioso back at the club next season as he because somewhat of a cult hero during his short stay. He possesses leadership qualities which Darren Ferguson is a huge fan of, and it wouldn’t be out of question to see the club pursue a summer move.
Nonetheless, the right-back is still under contract with Rotherham and Steve Evans’ words signify that he could be a key figure in the squad next season. The Millers will be looking to bounce straight back into the Championship and retaining Kioso will almost certainly aid their cause.
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