The futures of Chris Conn-Clarke and Ryan De Havilland at Peterborough United have been thrown into doubt after both were named in the club’s Under-21 squad.
The pair are set to feature against Bristol City’s development side rather than travel with the first team for tonight’s Carabao Cup tie at Accrington Stanley.
First-Team Omissions Raise Questions
With Darren Ferguson expected to rotate heavily for the trip to the Wham Stadium, the absence of Conn-Clarke and De Havilland from the senior group is telling. Both have struggled for form and minutes in recent months, and the decision to place them in the Professional Development League fixture suggests they could be among those deemed surplus to requirements.
Ferguson has confirmed that certain members of his squad are free to leave before the close of the summer transfer window. Midfielder De Havilland joined Posh from Barnet in June 2023 and has made 51 league appearances, scoring three goals, but has started only twice in League One this season.
Conn-Clarke arrived from Altrincham last summer after a prolific spell in the National League but endured a disappointing debut campaign, netting just once in 23 league outings.
Background on the Players
Conn-Clarke, a Northern Ireland Under-21 international, was named National League Player of the Season in 2023–24 after scoring 23 goals for Altrincham. His move to London Road was seen as a significant step up, but the attacking midfielder has yet to replicate his previous form. At 23, he remains a player with potential, but his omission from the senior matchday squad for a cup tie is a clear indicator of his current standing.
De Havilland, 24, came through the youth systems at Reading and Fulham before establishing himself at Barnet. Known as a box-to-box midfielder with an eye for goal, he impressed enough to earn a move to Peterborough and even scored on his England C debut in 2023.
However, competition for places in the Posh midfield has intensified, and his route to regular minutes now appears blocked.
Looking Ahead
The inclusion of a trialist in the Under-21 fixture further highlights the shifting dynamics within Ferguson’s squad. With the manager aiming to reshape his options ahead of a promotion push, both Conn-Clarke and De Havilland could find themselves moving on before the window closes.
Their futures may hinge on interest from other clubs, with both having profiles that could appeal to sides in League One or League Two. For Posh, any departures would create space for incoming additions as Ferguson seeks to balance his squad for the demands of a long campaign.
Writer’s View
The decision to field Conn-Clarke and De Havilland in the Under-21s feels like a turning point. Ferguson’s message is clear: there is no room for passengers in a season where consistency and competition are key. While both have talent, they now face a defining few weeks to either fight for their place or secure a move that reignites their careers.
