Britt Assombalonga only spent one season with Posh, but it ended in trophy success and a bucketload of goals.
When Dwight Gayle was sold to Crystal Palace in the summer of 2013, many Peterborough United supporters were speculating just how he could be replaced. However, owner Darragh MacAnthony, Director of Football Barry Fry and manager Darren Ferguson had already identified his replacement – the man to try and fire the club back into the Championship and his name? His name was Britt Assombalonga.
The Watford front man had enjoyed a loan stint with Southend United the year before, scoring 16 goals for the Shrimpers in League Two and hit the ground running in PE2. In fact, by the time he arrived at Wembley for the second year running in March 2024, he had already netted 27 goals in all competitions for Posh including the semi-final second leg at the County Ground against Swindon Town.
His determination to be a winner at Wembley was strengthened by disappointment with Southend, who had been beaten in the same competition by Crewe Alexandra. His family were in the crowd for the success over Chesterfield and he was delighted to play a major part in the 3-1 victory over a talented Spireites side.
“I was gutted that we couldn’t get the job done with Southend United so when we managed to get to Wembley with Posh, I was so determined not to be a runner-up again! It is so mad that it is 10-years ago that final, time has absolutely flown by, but it is definitely a day that I will never forget.
“To score at Wembley was such a magical feeling. I remember when the referee pointed to the spot, I was always going to take it. People always talk about the random thing my arm did, but it was something I did occasionally to put the goalkeeper off and then of course, I just stuck it straight down the middle.
“My family were in the crowd, I remember trying to find them, but it was just a sea of blue and white, but I am pretty sure my Dad did ligament damage in the celebrations! It was such a great feeling to be on the winning side, you have to really embrace those moments of joy and we did that after the game.
“It was a bit surreal going up the steps to get the medal and the trophy but I just tried to live in the moment. It was such a battle for us that day because we were up against such a good side. They caused us problems and when Joe Newell got sent-off, I can remember everyone cursing the moment but equally knowing that we had to get the job done and we thankfully did that,” Assombalonga said.
It might have only been one season in PE2, but Assombalonga cherishes his time with the club. He knew that he would score goals from the moment he put pen to paper on the deal because he believed in the project that manager Darren Ferguson had put in front of him.
“I had no hesitation in signing for the club because I felt I would get chances to score goals and I managed to score on my debut and didn’t look back from then. I know we didn’t go on to get promotion in the play-offs, but those memories are still special to me because I really enjoyed my time with the club. The fans were great with me.
“I loved playing for the manager. I have worked with a few managers, but I have to say he is the best that I have worked with. He gave me so much belief, but he also never separated me from the rest of the squad or singled me out. If I scored one, he would demand me to score twice, and if I scored two, he would want me to score a hat-trick. He was demanding, but in such a good way.
“I have to say as well, Darragh and Barry were brilliant when it came to my departure. I was so young, I had enjoyed a good season, I knew there was interest, but they were very honest in the discussions we had, and they allowed me to go with their blessing. You hear about stories at other clubs where moves are blocked, but they were superb with me.
“I really hope Posh can do it on Sunday. It is fitting they are back there after 10 years. I would say to the players, go out there and embrace the experience, enjoy it, express yourself and make sure you come out on the winning side. Not many players get the opportunity to play at Wembley, it will be something that you never forget,” Assombalonga added.
You can watch the full interview with Britt on Posh+.
