Peterborough United have strengthened their academy setup with two permanent appointments this week, as the club prepares for an important League One fixture away to Milton Keynes Dons. The Posh currently sit 20th in the table with four points from five matches, having scored just three goals while conceding nine.
The club's Category Two Academy has made two key hires. Hugh Alban-Jones has been named the permanent Lead Under-18s Coach, stepping up from an interim role he held following Jimmy Unwin's summer departure. Alban-Jones, who was previously Unwin's assistant, guided the side through pre-season and has overseen draws against Coventry City and Colchester United, plus a 6-3 cup win over AFC Wimbledon.
In a separate appointment, Frankie Fry has joined as the new Academy Pathway Lead. He will work with full-time training model players from the Nene Park Academy and guide youngsters through the age groups. Academy Director Dan Robinson told Peterborough Today, "Frankie comes with a wealth of experience working in non-league football and has worked with us for a number of years as a part-time coach." Robinson also praised Alban-Jones, calling him an "exciting and high-potential coach" who came through the club's own system as a player.
The club's immediate focus returns to League One action this Saturday, September 12th, with a trip to face MK Dons. Data from The Athletic shows this is a significant match for Darren Ferguson's side, who are looking to climb from 20th position. Their next home game is against Barnsley in the EFL Cup on Tuesday, September 15th, followed by a League One clash with Doncaster Rovers at the Weston Homes Stadium on the 19th. Fans can view the full upcoming schedule on our dedicated fixtures page.
This period is important for Peterborough, who have taken just one win from their opening five league games. Their form reads LDLWL, leaving them eight points behind early leaders Sheffield Wednesday. The team's goal difference of minus six highlights the need for improvement at both ends of the pitch.
Opta statistics published by the EFL provide some historical context for Peterborough United's recent performances. Notably, the Posh have failed to win any of their last nine home league games against sides who were relegated the previous season. Their last such victory was a 1-0 win against Derby County back in March 2023.
Historical data also shows Peterborough have a strong recent record against this weekend's opponents, Sheffield Wednesday, having won four of the last six league meetings between the sides. Sheffield Wednesday, however, have a player in Louie Barry who has a strong individual record against the Posh, with three goals and an assist in four career matches. The current league standings show the scale of the challenge, with Peterborough needing points to move away from the lower reaches of the table.
The fixture at Stadium MK pits 20th against 19th, making it a genuine six-pointer even at this early stage. A positive result could provide a platform for the squad ahead of the Barnsley cup tie. Peterborough United's next League One match after the international break is at home to Doncaster Rovers on September 19th.
