PETERBOROUGH United chairman Darragh MacAnthony has responded to claims that York City never had any interest in a move for highly-rated midfielder Chris Conn-Clarke.
York were reportedly leading the race to sign Conn-Clarke, who has been transfer listed by Sky Bet League One side Peterborough having only joined the Posh at the beginning of last season from Altrincham.
Conn-Clarke was a hotshot during his time with Altrincham, scoring 22 goals from midfield in the 2023/24 season, two of which came against City.
However, the playmaker has since found game time somewhat limited with Peterborough, and has become out-of-favour with manager Darren Ferguson despite the Posh’s struggles in the third tier.
York were reportedly one of three clubs to be in the hunt for Conn-Clarke, alongside Carlisle United and Forest Green Rovers, but appear to have distanced themselves from a potential transfer after first-team coach Gary Elphick remained dismissive on speculation.
Peterborough chairman MacAnthony has now confirmed that City co-chair Matt Uggla reached out to the Posh to orchestrate a move around two weeks ago, whilst Carlisle are yet to ‘push the button’ on a transfer, and the Posh are recommending the playmaker to Forest Green, similarly to how they did with Solihull Moors man Jacob Wakeling.
Speaking on the his podcast, the Hard Truth, which can be found in full HERE, MacAnthony said: “I’ve seen some York fans come at me about Conn-Clarke, Carlisle fans [too].
“Conn-Clarke a year ago was the best player in non-league and scored 30 goals, so if people think I’m giving away, it’s not going to happen.
“We need four strikers, if he doesn’t go to one of these clubs, so be it.
“He’s got to play his way back in and get in the managers good books.
“For the York fans to say they are not interested anymore, it was their owner that reached out to Barry Fry [Peterborough Director of Football] almost 10 days ago to do a deal.
“Then obviously Carlisle have come on, Carlisle are still there but they haven’t pressed the button.
“We have what we want, I think Conn-Clarke goes in and scores 25 goals at that level.
“I’m going to message Robbie Savage today because obviously Forest Green are up there, and I’m going to say the same.
“You didn’t listen to me on Jacob Wakeling, listen to me on this.
“This boy will absolutely kill it at that level, because he’s about 12lbs lighter than when he actually was Player of the Year in non-league and scored 30 goals.
“That would be fascinating to see.”
Wakeling is another Peterborough youngster who is currently learning his trade in non-league, having had a bright start to a loan spell with Solihull Moors.
Similarly to MacAnthony’s approach to Conn-Clarke, the chairman recommended his player to Forest Green boss Robbie Savage, who reportedly turned down the opportunity to sign Wakeling.
MacAnthony admitted to being surprised that the ‘top 10 clubs in non-league haven’t queued up’ for Wakeling’s signature, and issued an offer out to National League clubs for their other developing young players.
“I remember in the Summer, Jacob Wakeling, I was trying to get him a club,” MacAnthony continued.
“I reached out to Robbie Savage, who had gone into Forest Green and to a couple of non-league clubs.
“I said look, Jacob’s had a couple of years where he hasn’t played enough.
“Even when he went to Gillingham, he didn’t get picked a lot – but there’s a goal scorer there.
“I was convinced he’d score 20 goals at National League level and then go again, that’s why I reached out to Robbie when he went into Forest Green.
“I said take him, take this boy, but they didn’t.
“He’s gone to Solihull Moors and scored five goals in his first three games.
“I was convinced, I can’t believe no one would believe me.
“With all due respect, when you’re dropping down two levels, and yes he’s been out on loan, but he’s been training with us and proving that he’s League One level, he’s going to go in at that level at 23, 24 and absolutely be a beast.
“I cannot believe the top 10 clubs in non-league haven’t queued up.
“We’re going to have a few more 21’s that are going to be available, that would be very high commodities.
“We’re going to get them boys [out on loan] once we get into October, because we’ve got a big squad now.
“We’re going to get some of those boys out to play in the National League.
“I think it’s important for them to get game time, so if any National League clubs want some players, a bit like what we did with Ollie Rose at Scunthorpe who is flying there, then you know where we are.”
