12 December 2003
POSH
could receive up to £625,000 from the sale of striker Leon McKenzie to First
Division Norwich City.
Posh are understood to have collected an initial payment of £400,000, but
manager Barry Fry has also negotiated extra payments relating to the number of
goals McKenzie scores and whether the Canaries win promotion to the Premiership.
Fry has already tried to sign a replacement in prolific Torquay striker David
Graham but refused to match the Third Division club's £250, 000 valuation.
Posh have also offered Fulham £25,000 for on-loan striker Calum Willock and it's
also believed Fry is keen to bring Coventry striker Dele Adebola to London Road
Fry admitted it was a sad day for Posh, but he also insisted he had received an
offer he couldn't refuse yesterday afternoon. The deal is subject to a medical
today.
Fry said: "The money we will get up front will make us financially secure until
the end of the season and it will ensure we show a profit in the annual
accounts.
"It was too much money to turn down for a player out of contract at the end of
the season, but I still feel sad that Leon is leaving.
"He has a fantastic goalscoring record and it would have been even more
impressive if he had not suffered with injuries. I am convinced he will be a big
hit in the First Division.
"It's a tremendous move and it needn't be the end of the world for us either.
Last season we finished 11th when he started just six games and I remember
selling Simon Davies and Matthew Etherington when we were mid-table in Division
Three and we ended up winning promotion.
"I have already tried and failed to sign a replacement, but as the deal was
completed so quickly yesterday I have not really had time. I will get someone in
next week I am confident of that."
McKenzie hails his dream move
A JUBILANT Leon McKenzie was in dreamland today after joining First Division
Norwich City.
The 25-year-old Posh top scorer revealed that he had been aware of Norwich
City's interest for several weeks and was convinced his recent goal-a-game form
would tempt them into a bid.
McKenzie said: "Clubs couldn't ignore my goals ratio for ever and I'm delighted
it's Norwich who have signed me.
"It's a fantastic move all-round for me. The standard of football is high, it's
a beautiful city and my personal package is unbelievable.
"I'm sorry in a way to be leaving Posh because I have a lot of friends there on
and off the pitch, but I'm sure they will understand my reasons for moving.
Anyway I don't think they will be in trouble for long because they have too many
good players at the club.
"I've had to make this decision for me and my family. I have been honest and
told everyone from the start of the season that I want to play at a higher level
and it's a dream come true. I hope the fans appreciate why I have left. I have
given good service to the club over the last three years and it's been an
enjoyable time of my career.
"But life goes on and once I knew Norwich wanted me I was keen to make the
move."
A thigh strain will keep McKenzie out of Norwich's First Division game against
Cardiff tomorrow, but it's not thought serious enough to cause him problems at
his formal medical today.
McKenzie has signed a three-and-a-half year contract which will double his Posh
earnings.
He signed for Posh in October 2000 for a bargain £25,000 from Crystal Palace who
are set to pocket nearly £70,000 from a sell-on clause.