Peterborough United have secured loan deals for Wrexham duo Tom O’Connor and Jacob Mendy, with chairman Darragh MacAnthony signalling hopes of turning both into permanent signings.
The Posh chief framed the moves as character-led additions designed to solve immediate squad needs after a difficult start to the season.
MacAnthony backs O’Connor and Mendy to make instant impact
Speaking on the club’s Posh Plus service after an exceptionally busy deadline day, MacAnthony explained why the Wrexham pair were prioritised. He acknowledged a general reluctance to use the loan market, but said these deals were different in both profile and intent.
“I’m not the biggest fan of loans, but we signed a couple from Wrexham. They are on a lot more money than we can pay and I feel very positive that we have a chance to sign them come the end of the season, so they are not loans per se where they will come and go.”
MacAnthony highlighted Tom O’Connor’s pedigree and reliability, emphasising his proven track record in successful dressing rooms.
“Tom is a very accomplished player who has won three promotions. He played with Sam Hughes at Burton many years ago and we got great character references from him.”
Selection balance and tactical flexibility underpinned the decision to bring in Jacob Mendy. With a potential shift towards a back three, wing-back depth was considered essential, particularly while awaiting the return of injured personnel and easing the burden on a teenager asked to play significant minutes.
“We chose to sign Mendy because we were concerned that if we were going to play three at the back then you need wing backs. Harley is 19 and to play every game while Rio Adebisi is still not fit is a big ask. He might be flying, but if he goes down injured we’re playing square pegs in round holes.”
Cost control and cooperation with Wrexham were also part of the equation.
“It was worth doing the deal if we could get it in the cap and Wrexham have been very fair to us. They are two great characters, they’ve won promotions, then you add in Tom Lees and Peter Kioso and you’ve got four great characters in the dressing room.”
Writer’s View
The headline is intent. MacAnthony distances these deals from traditional short-term loans, explicitly stating confidence in potential permanent outcomes. O’Connor is presented as a promotions-hardened midfielder whose references add assurance, while Mendy solves a structural issue at wing-back as Peterborough weigh a back-three shape.
The chairman’s focus on dressing-room character suggests the club sees leadership as a route out of early-season struggles. With Wrexham described as fair partners and the salary-cap maths addressed, the Posh have acquired two players built for immediate usage and, crucially, with a pathway beyond May if both sides still like what they see.
