League One club sign same player twice in January transfer window after walkout
Former Aston Villa goalkeeper Jed Steer signed twice for Peterborough United in the winter transfer window, rejoining the club three days after he walked out to leave himself as a free agent.
Steer initially signed a short-term deal with The Posh, having been without a club since leaving Villa Park over the summer. He moved on when it ended, only to then swiftly return - before the window had shut.
The 31-year-old initially joined as cover for first-choice stopper Nicholas Bilokapic. He made three league appearances for Darren Ferguson's side and one in the EFL Trophy, with the team unbeaten throughout, but Bilokapic's return from injury meant Steer sensed his opportunities would be limited.
His contract expired, and he opted to walk away on January 29. Just three days later, though, he was back, inking a new deal with the League One side which runs until the end of the season.
“I am happy to be back, and I am here to help the club in an exciting part of the season with the team in a good position in the league and also in the semi-finals of the Bristol Street Motors Trophy," Steer told club media. “It was a strange feeling watching the scores come through on Tuesday evening, so when I heard that there was something to be done, it was obviously an opportunity that I wanted to take. I was gutted to leave in the first place, but I am here now, and I can’t wait to get back out there at training.
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“There is plenty to play for, it is a great dressing room and I really loved working with the players and coaches. Competition for places is so healthy, it pushes everybody, you can’t rest on your laurels, that is football, I am really looking forward to it and having a good battle.
“The supporters have been great with me. The game at Charlton, the away fans got really behind me and made me feel welcome. To have their backing is great and I just want to repay their faith in me as best as I can.”
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Peterborough manager Darren Ferguson has explained the situation with Steer (PA)Ferguson, himself in a fourth stint as Peterborough boss, had previously explained he accepted Steer's reasons for leaving. In addition to Steer and Australia under-23 keeper Bilokapic, Peterborough's goalkeeper options include Fynn Talley and the currently injured Will Blackmore.
"He doesn't want to risk not being guaranteed playing every week," Ferguson said upon Steer's initial decision to leave. "Now for me as a manager, I can't guarantee anyone playing, that is not something I have done in the past or ever would do in the future. In football, things change all the time.
"It was explained clearly that Nick would play Tuesday and I would have a decision to make for the Wigan game on Saturday. The boy has made the decision, but we have three good goalkeepers in Nick, Fynn and Will with Will obviously a few months away from fitness. We thank Jed but we move on."
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