Peterborough United chairman Darragh MacAnthony has revealed that his club tried to sign Paul Smyth from QPR.
Smyth, who ended last season on loan at Accrington Stanley, was out of the picture under former R’s boss Steve McClaren.
But Rangers refused to let the Northern Ireland forward leave and expect him to play a key role next season.
Answering questions from fans on Twitter, McAnthony revealed that Posh director of football Barry Fry went to watch Smyth and wanted to snap him up.
“We tried to buy him. Great young player,” MacAthony wrote.
Yep. But wouldn’t sell him. I sent Barry to scout him last jan in reserve game then had him call SE to say he’d found one. Then we tried to buy him. Great young player. https://t.co/Y25DATxK7x
— Darragh MacAnthony (@DMAC102) May 21, 2019
Smyth, meanwhile, has told QPR’s website that he is determined to make an impact at Loftus Road under new manager Mark Warburton.
“This is a new start for me with a new person to impress,” he said.
“Fingers crossed I can do that and hopefully get a place in his team. If I can’t do that then I will work hard to get that spot.
“I spoke to Jake Bidwell who said he is a very good coach and a very good manager so I am really looking forward to getting started under him.”