According to Bristol Live, Bristol Rovers have eliminated themselves from consideration for Peterborough United forward Jonson Clarke-Harris.
Three years after moving to Cambridgeshire from the Memorial Stadium, the 29-year-old came very close to joining the Gas in the summer. Even though he had just finished a 29-goal season, Peterborough was eager to cash in rather than take the chance of losing him for nothing the next summer.
On the day of the deadline, Rovers agreed to pay their League One rivals a record £800,000. Unfortunately, the sale fell through since the necessary paperwork was not submitted in a timely manner.
Clarke-Harris stayed with the squad, and it was anticipated that when the market reopened in January, his previous team would review the agreement. However, Matt Taylor took over for Joey Barton after that, and rumors have it that Taylor is not as interested in the talent as his predecessor was.
Darren Ferguson has reduced the two-time League One Golden Boot winner to a bit-part role at the Weston Homes Stadium because Peterborough is still eager to make money next month. In the last five league games, he has only played 10 minutes of football, and in the previous three, he was not utilized as a substitute.
Two other third-tier clubs have indicated interest, but director of football Barry Fry has stated that Bristol Rovers are no longer in the running. The 78-year-old stated through the Peterborough Telegraph:
“The owner of Bristol Rovers, with whom I met, stated that Joey Barton was the driving force behind the attempt to sign Clarke-Harris. They will not be returning for him because the new manager has no interest in him.
However, two
There’s interest from other League One clubs, so perhaps Jonno will receive the opportunity he deserves. He has excelled for us.
With their current form, Peterborough has jumped into the automatic slots in League One. Tomorrow, they go to Shrewsbury Town in an attempt to maintain pressure on leaders Portsmouth. Meanwhile, in 11th place, Bristol Rovers travel to promotion-chasing Blackpool.
Author’s Perspective
Darren Ferguson’s recent decision to not use Jonson Clarke-Harris seems to suggest that he is already preparing for life without the youngster. Peterborough has made no secret of their wish to get the player off their books.
The striker may be frustrated that his summer transfer to Bristol Rovers is now unlikely to happen as he was eager to join the team. There are other teams searching, though, so it will be fascinating to see if any of the teams vying for promotion call. He might be the spark that pushes a team like Barnsley or Derby County over the finish line in May.
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