Ryan makes Posh switch

By dpye

GRIMSBY Town skipper Ryan Bennett has moved to Championship side Peterborough United on a three-month loan deal.

The move is with a view to a permanent transfer in January.

The teenage centre-back travelled to London Road yesterday after the two clubs agreed in principle to allow last season's Town Player of the Year the chance of a  switch.

It is understood Bennett held talks with Posh director of football Barry Fry and chairman Darragh MacAnthony after making the journey south.

He returned to the east coast to discuss a possible move with family and friends  and the 19 year old defender could make his Championship bow against Scunthorpe United tomorrow.

If the Bennett  move eventually becomes permanent, as expected, it will bring the curtain down on an impressive spell with the Mariners that has seen him amass 100 Football League appearances before the age of 20 and become the club's youngest ever captain.

He made his debut from the bench against MK Dons in April 2007, two weeks before a full debut at home to Barnet.

A year later and he ended a rapid rise with a first England under-18 cap and received the League Two Apprentice of the Year award at the Football League Awards.

Last season, he was given the captaincy by new boss Mike Newell and became a permanent fixture in the side, sweeping the board at the club's annual awards night in May.

Town resisted two offers from Posh in the summer – the second a reported £½-million offer – and Bennett signed a new four-year deal with the Mariners.

But, following Newell's departure, it appears Bennett is also set for pastures new.