As Newport County prepare to take on Peterborough United at Rodney Parade in the FA Cup, we take a closer look at Saturday afternoon’s opponents.
What’s their story?
Founded in 1934, Peterborough United, known as “The Posh,” entered the Football League in 1960 after dominating the Midlands League with five consecutive titles. Their debut season was nothing short of historic: Peterborough clinched the Fourth Division title in 1960-61, setting a record with 134 goals—a Football League achievement that still stands today. The Posh held their place in the Third Division until 1967-68, before a brief step down and a triumphant return with the Fourth Division title in 1974. After another setback in 1979, Peterborough bounced back in 1991, securing promotion to the Second Division and achieving a remarkable ascent to the second tier with a memorable playoff victory in 1992.
The turn of the millennium ushered in a new era under the charismatic Barry Fry, who guided the club to Third Division playoff glory in 2000. Peterborough fought valiantly in the Second Division until their eventual drop in 2005, only to see the team’s fortunes revived by manager Darren Ferguson. Under Ferguson's leadership, the Posh soared back to the Championship through back-to-back promotions in 2008 and 2009, enjoying three seasons at that level. Despite a heartbreaking relegation in 2013, Peterborough continued to prove their resilience, claiming the Football League Trophy in 2014.
In 2020-21, The Posh once again reached the Championship, where they competed valiantly before returning to League One. Today, Peterborough United remains driven to build on its storied past, with the unwavering support of fans and the ambition to return to the Championship.
Who’s the boss?
Darren Ferguson currently serves as the manager of Peterborough United, marking his fourth tenure with the club. Across his career, Ferguson has demonstrated a deep connection with The Posh, as well as leadership roles with Preston North End and Doncaster Rovers. He began his managerial journey in January 2007, stepping in as player-manager of League Two Peterborough United. Within just two seasons, Ferguson secured back-to-back promotions, bringing Peterborough to the Championship—an achievement marking the club’s first return to the second tier in 17 years. However, despite this remarkable progress, his first spell ended in November 2009 with the club facing relegation pressures.
In January 2010, Ferguson took charge at Preston North End, where he managed for nearly a year before moving back to Peterborough in early 2011. This time, he guided the club to yet another promotion, triumphing in the League One play-off final at Old Trafford with a 3-0 win over Huddersfield Town. Under Ferguson, Peterborough enjoyed two competitive seasons in the Championship, demonstrating his knack for driving success within the club’s ranks.
Ferguson's playing career included time under the management of his father, Sir Alex Ferguson, at Manchester United, where he earned a Premier League title and an FA Charity Shield in 1993. He later continued his career with Wolverhampton Wanderers and Wrexham, playing in the English lower leagues and bringing invaluable experience to his managerial journey.
Who’s the captain?
Hector Kyprianou, a talented and dynamic midfielder, currently leads Peterborough United as captain while also representing the Cypriot national team. His journey began in the youth ranks at Tottenham Hotspur and Leyton Orient, where he gained experience through loan spells at Harlow Town, Bishop's Stortford, and Hampton & Richmond Borough. Kyprianou made his senior debut for Leyton Orient in an EFL Trophy match against Brighton & Hove Albion U21, helping Orient secure a penalty shootout victory. Over his time with Orient, he made 79 appearances, contributing one goal and seven assists.
Kyprianou joined Peterborough United at the start of the 2022-23 season, and he quickly made an impact, scoring his first Football League goal for the club in a 3-0 win over Morecambe. Since then, he has become a crucial part of the squad, making 107 appearances and tallying 11 goals along with three assists. Kyprianou’s leadership and skills on the pitch continue to drive The Posh forward as they aim for further success.
A key player
Kwame Poku has emerged as a standout player for Peterborough United, with his skill and pace on the wing proving a constant threat. Rising through the youth system at semi-professional Cray Wanderers, Poku showcased early potential, which led to his first professional stint at Worthing, where he made 12 league appearances and scored twice. His performances caught the eye of Colchester United, who signed him after a successful trial. Poku made an immediate impact, debuting in September 2019 in an EFL Trophy victory over Gillingham and netting his first professional goal just weeks later against Leyton Orient. During his time with Colchester, he made 75 appearances and scored six goals.
In 2021, Poku joined Peterborough United, marking a new chapter in his career. His first goal for the club came in October 2022 during a 3-2 win over Milton Keynes Dons. Since then, he has been a key figure for The Posh, amassing 131 appearances and 25 goals. This season, the Ghanaian winger has been in outstanding form, with 15 appearances across all competitions, tallying seven goals and five assists. Poku’s stellar September, where he scored three goals in four games, earned him the EFL League One Player of the Month award, confirming his reputation as one of the league’s most exciting talents.
