Peterborough United hand former Gillingham youth player Emmanuel Fernandez a long term deal

Gillingham’s former youth player Emmanuel Fernandez has penned a new deal with Peterborough United.

Released by the Gills, Fernandez joined Ramsgate before being picked up by Championship side Peterborough. He has now agreed a new three year deal at the club.

The 20-year-old made his debut for Peterborough, his one and only league appearance, in a 4-0 defeat at home to Middlesbrough. He played an hour before being replaced.

He had been a regular for the club’s under-23s but struggled with a knee injury late in the season.

“We see massive potential in him,” said Posh boss Grant McCann, who is preparing for life in League 1 following relegation.

“We see him pushing the other centre halves at the club next season with a really good pre-season under his belt and I am looking forward to working with him moving forward.”

Fernandez was signed by their former manager Darren Ferguson, who said at the time: “He’s a good size, he’s quick and he’s good on the ball.”

Commenting on the Peterborough United website, Fernandez said: “I want to thank the manager for showing so much faith in me and to everyone else at the club for everything they have done."

Fernandez was released by former Gillingham boss Steve Evans in the summer of 2020, without a senior appearance for the club, after the player had loan spells at Margate, Merstham and Sheppey United.