A name who is probably fairly well remembered by both Peterborough United and Bradford City fans alike is that of Nathaniel Knight-Percival’s.
Although he’s potentially remembered by each set of fans for different reasons, Knight-Percival would establish himself as a very solid defensive option for a plethora of EFL sides during the 2010s.
It would be a move to Peterborough United where the centre-back would first establish himself within the EFL. He’d join Posh in 2012 from then-National League side Wrexham and there was plenty of hype around the signing. With the now 37-year-old joining when the Cambridgeshire-based side were in the Championship, he’d be jumping up three divisions as a result.
He’d end up appearing 31 times for Peterborough in the Championship during the 2012/13 season, one that’s probably not best remembered by fans due to their relegation to the third tier. He would however play a part in their EFL Trophy triumph the following year before being released and joining Shrewsbury Town.
Knight-Percival would spend two seasons with the Shrews before establishing himself in the Bradford City defence for three years. He’d be a mainstay in the Bantams staring lineup during their spell in League One, and would almost achieve promotion with the club in the 2016/17 season, though they’d ultimately just miss out, losing 1-0 to Millwall in the play-off final.
Somewhat of a journeyman, Knight-Percival has racked up over 250 appearances in the EFL and has also played for the likes of Carlisle United, Morecambe and Tranmere Rovers.
He’s on the move again, with National League North side Southport FC unveiling him as their latest signing on their official website. Bringing plenty of experience as well as leadership qualities with him, he should prove to be a fine acquisition by the club.
Even at 37, the defender will still be playing at a good level and has had a long and fairly injury-free career.
Writer’s View
Highly thought of when he made a three-league jump to play in the Championship for Peterborough United, Knight-Percival perhaps didn’t quite reach the heights that the club may have expected. Nonetheless, he’d still prove himself as an excellent defender in the third tier and he was extremely solid for both Shrewsbury and Bradford.
It seems as if he’s now coming to the end of his career and with his understanding of the game, it wouldn’t come as a huge surprise to see the defender find a role in football after his retirement.
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