Peterborough United fans can finally stop dreaming of a return to the Weston Homes Stadium for right-back Peter Kioso. In a heart-breaking moment for many supporters, the 24-year-old has moved into the Championship.
To deepen the wound further, Kioso has joined Oxford United, the team that beat Posh in a League One play-off semi-final last season.
Kioso said: “I heard there were a couple of clubs interested, but once I heard Oxford were interested, for me it was a no-brainer because I knew what the club stood for, where they’re planning to go, and how they’re looking to move forward.
“As soon as I heard of the interest, it just made sense for me. I feel like I’ll be at home here.
“One of the main reasons I signed for Oxford is that I’ve got that feeling that I had at Luton.
“I feel like Luton was such a special place in terms of the fans and the club. It’s that family spirit they had, and that took us a long way.”
Millers’ manager Steve Evans had revealed that Kioso was set to leave Rotherham for a fee exceeding £500k, but Oxford denies paying that much for a player who has yet to prove himself at the Championship level.
Kioso was outstanding for Posh last season after arriving on a six-month loan, but there was a recall clause in the deal that Rotherham decided to activate in their failed quest to avoid relegation from the Championship.
Kioso made 12 Championship appearances for Rotherham in the second half of last season but missed the final matches due to injury.
Former Posh boss Steve Evans made his managerial comeback with the Millers in April and initially stated that Kioso was a key part of his plans for a League One campaign.
“My mind boggles as to why he was in League One when he was a Rotherham United player,” Evans said. “Peter is a really good player and he was stunning at times for Peterborough. But the kid now wanted to play Championship football, and my recommendation to the board was to let it happen because of the fee that had been offered.”
Meanwhile, Evans responded to criticism of his summer signing spree, with five of his 10 captures so far being aged over 30.
“The age profile will average out as we fine-tune the group,” Evans said. “There might still be the odd player that comes who might be experienced, but our fans will also see some younger players coming in as well to bring down the average age and get that where we need it to be.”
In contrast, Posh compiled the youngest squad in League One last season, and McAnthony has suggested they might be even younger next season.
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