One to Watch – George Boyd

Peterborough United midfielder George Boyd is the One to Watch ahead of this weekend’s clash at London Road.

Name: George Boyd

Date of Birth: 02-07-1985 (Chatham)

Previous Clubs: Charlton Athletic (trainee), Stevenage Borough.

Appearances (Goals): 249 (59)

Boyd came up through the ranks at Charlton Athletic but unfortunately for him he didn’t make the grade at The Valley and was released at the age of 16. He joined up with Conference side Stevenage Borough and made his debut only a year later.

The 3-1 home defeat by Margate was Boyd’s first appearance but he was substituted at half time in a 3-1 home defeat. He played no part in any further fixtures that season but sat on the periphery of the squad poised to re-join the first team fold next season.

His displayed great creative flair in laying on three goals against Tamworth in a home victory before scoring his first goal in a victory away at Northwich Victoria. His 11 appearances that campaign came after the turn of the year, as he played a greater role under Graham Westley.

Boyd became a first team regular at Broadhall Way in the 2004-05 season, making 36 appearances and scoring two goals. His first came against Northwich once again before the winning goal against Carlisle – but the Cumbrians exacted their revenge by defeating Stevenage in the playoff final.

Boyd made a stunning 47 appearances for Boro scoring 12 goals, including a strike against League One side Northampton Town in the FA Cup. As a reward for his consistent displays he penned a new three year deal at Broadhall Way.

New boss Mark Stimson deployed Boyd in a striker’s role and it was a position that he relished initially, smashing a hatrick against the forlorn Stafford Rangers before hitting four goals against Merthyr Tydfil in the FA Trophy.

His performances were arousing the interest of League Two Peterborough United, who were riding the crest of a wave under new ownership and management. After an initial refusal, Stevenage agreed to sell Boyd to the Football League side for a Conference record £260,000 fee.

Boyd made 20 appearances in the remainder of the 2006-07 season and took to the Football League like a duck to water, earning the plaudits of the Posh fans. His performances promised much for the up-coming campaign in which ambitious Peterborough were expected to challenge for honours.

The midfielder played a key role in Peterborough’s promotion push making 50 appearances scoring 14 goals in all competitions. This included a hatrick in a stunning 8-3 home win over Accrington Stanley and the season culminated in promotion as runners-up to Milton Keynes Dons.

Among the plaudits that Boyd gained in Posh’s promotion season was being voted in the League Two PFA Team of the Year, for his consistent displays in contributing to the Peterborough attacking threat.

Boyd managed to step up with his side into League One and once again impressed immensely in the third tier. He scored ten times in 53 games for Posh as they once again finished runners-up, this time to Leicester City, earning themselves back to back promotions.

Ironically Peterborough replaced Charlton Athletic in the Championship, the side that released Boyd as a 16-year-old. Boyd has been a highlight in an otherwise drab season for the Posh, as he goes from strength to strength in the Championship.

12 goals in his first season has seen Boyd becoming a coveted talent but Posh have managed to retain his services after an eventful transfer window at London Road.




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