Randall moves on from transfer rumours 'distraction'

Joel Randall has made 66 league appearances in total since joining Peterborough

Peterborough United midfielder Joel Randall has admitted transfer speculation caused "a little bit of distraction" in the build-up to the new season.

The 24-year-old was a reported target for other clubs after contributing 12 goals as Posh reached the League One play-off final in 2023-24.

But he signed a new three-year contract earlier this month and scored twice in three minutes to seal a 4-1 win at Shrewsbury Town on Saturday.

"It's been put to bed now, so I can really focus and help the team going forwards," Randall told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire.

"It's brilliant I got that sorted and it gives a bit of clarity for the season coming ahead.

"They've shown a lot of belief and faith in me and I just want to go out on the pitch and enjoying myself, keep learning, keep improving and help the team get as high as possible in the league.

"It's obviously nice to be recognised that I've done well, but when I get on the pitch it's just focusing on my job and the task in hand."

Peterborough lost two of their biggest assets, with Ronnie Edwards and Harrison Burrows sold to Southampton and Sheffield United respectively, and fellow defender Josh Knight opting to move to Germany.

But the club have made nine signings themselves as they look to secure a fifth promotion under manager Darren Ferguson.

Having arrived from Exeter City in 2021, Randall is expected to be a key performer this season.

"I had a feeling before (the game with Shrewsbury) that it was going to be the game I'd score my first of the season - and the two at the end were more like poachers' goals really, which I don't see myself doing (normally)," he said.

"The management expect me and Kwams (Kwame Poku), Ricky (Jade Jones) and Mal (Mothersille) to kick on and produce those moments."

He added: "We know we're top League One players and we have to show that week in, week out.

"Mal gives us a different option on the ball. It's not just me having to do a lot of the forward stuff - he can drop off and link, while Ricky is just brilliant on the shoulder, he can get in behind all the time."