Departing Reggae Boy hailed as ‘incredible signing’
Published:Friday | May 10, 2024 | 12:14 AM
LONDON, England (CMC):
Manager Darren Ferguson has praised departing striker Jonson Clarke-Harris after the prolific Reggae Boy played his final game for Peterborough United in Wednesday night’s 1-1 playoff draw with Oxford United.
The 29-year-old signed off on his four-year spell at London Road as a 78th-minute substitute as the Posh failed to overturn their 1-0 deficit from the first-leg defeat to Oxford to miss out on the League One playoff final for the second straight season.
Following the disappointing result, Ferguson paid tribute to Clarke-Harris, describing him as an “incredible signing” for the east England club.
“What I said to the players was how immensely proud I was to be their manager. [I] thanked them for their efforts. I think they’ve been superb this season,” Ferguson said.
“I gave a special mention to Jonno because, obviously, he’s leaving the club, and he’s been an incredible signing for the football club.”
He added: “He’s been magnificent for us, a great signing.”
Clarke-Harris finished the season with 13 goals in all competitions but made only 16 starts in the league as the club initiated a rebuild after the player snubbed a 500,000 pounds sterling January move to Charlton Athletic and opted to run down his contract.
He was also expected to move during last summer’s transfer window after being transfer-listed but saw a lucrative deal with Bristol Rovers collapse late on deadline day due to administrative hiccups on Rovers’ end.
All told, Clarke-Harris netted 87 times in 190 games for Peterborough and was last season’s Golden Boot winner with 26 goals.
Midfielder Hector Kyprianou said the squad also expressed their appreciation to Clarke-Harris.
“We gave Jonno a round of applause in the dressing room after the game. He’s been class for us all season. He’s led by example, and we wish him well,” said the 22-year-old Cyprus international.
Clarke-Harris made his debut for the Reggae Boyz two years ago against Catalonia but has not featured since.