Boyd staying put at Peterborough

It looks like former Boro favourite George Boyd is set to stay at Peterborough United for 1 more season. Boyd has been subject of intense transfer speculation over the last 6 months and even moved on loan to Nottingham Forest last season, as a move away from London Road looked increasingly likely. However, it seems that a permanent move for Boyd has been priced out by his club and he will stay 1 more season before leaving on a free transfer next summer.

Boyd has repeatedly told Posh that he isn’t interested in renewing his contract with Peterborough and wants to play at a higher level. Rumours of bids from the likes of Burnley, Middlesbrough, Celtic and Forest have been made, but Peterborough want a lot more than these clubs can afford. As we all know Barry Fry is a difficult man to deal with when it comes to business. He wants a big fee to compensate for the 40% they would have to give to Stevenage as part of the sell-on clause that was agreed when Boyd left Boro in 2007.

It seems that the sell-on clause currently in place will in the end cost Posh and Boro from a big pay day. Peterborough could have sold the “White Pele” for over a £1m by now, but haven’t because they realise that a big chunk of that money will have to go to Phil Wallace. That means that the League 1 side have had to ask for a bigger fee and that is putting a number of potential suitors off from persuing their interest.

“I’m a Peterborough player for one more year and I don’t mind if I stay at the club for the whole season. I’m not going to cause trouble and I’m not going to make a fuss about moving. I will continue to give the club everything while I am here. I have heard that Barry wants to meet me, but nothing has been arranged. As things stand I am here for next season and until anything changes I will give 100 per cent as that’s the way I am. It’s flattering that Championship clubs are interested in me, but I won’t let that affect my performances for Peterborough.” Boyd talking about his future at Posh (Peterborough Today)

Wallace mentioned at the fans forum a few weeks back that Peterborough had approached Boro a few times about buying the clause, enabling them to receive the full amount for Boyd, but Stevenage have refused to do this. Sell on clauses are a risky game. At the moment it looks likely that both clubs will end up with nothing and that Boyd will sign for a new club next summer when his current contract runs out, but I think when push comes to shove, Peterborough will sell him in January, even though the transfer fee will be a lot lower.

In other news, Boro have announced they have organsised another pre-season friendly. A trip to Chelmsford has been penciled in for Friday July 16th. Stevenage played the Essex side last summer in their first pre-season game, winning 2-1 thanks to goals from Charlie Griffin and Chris Beardsley. The Chelmsford game ends a busy week for the team. They begin their pre-season campaign at Corby on the 13th before playing Histon the following day.