Surely one of the most debonair of footballing mascots must be that of Peterborough United's 'Mr Posh'. Dressed immaculately in a black tailed coat and waistcoat with pin striped trousers, sometimes a Club tie or even a bow tie with white gloves and spats.

He also sometimes wears a white carnation and dons a velvet topper, even sporting a monocle. Armed suitably with a Gentleman's walking cane and ringing his highly polished silver bell, proudly leading The Posh onto the pitch to do battle.

The earliest photo (below) I possess of the first Mr Posh (believed to be 'Snatcher' Smith) dates back to the season 1948-49 when the then Player Manager was Frank Blood. At the commencement of the 1953-54 season Mr Tom Keeble made his first appearance as the second custodian to take the honour of Mr Posh; the Manager at this time was Jack Fairbrother.



Tom proudly escorted fans by train to the café Royal in London to support the Club in its application for Membership to the Football League proper. All of course still suitably attired in his usual dress.

My personal favourite character 'to play the role' was Patrick 'Nevin' McAlpine (pictured below). His first appearance for Posh was October 1954 till retiring in 1958. This was under the Management of George Swindin. Leading his team out and ringing his bell to the sound of The Post Horn Gallop, heralded the entrance of the Posh into the fray.



This signalled the excitement for the crowd to cheer loudly. He would then take his perch behind the goal with Posh supporters stirring them to cheer his beloved team to victory. When Posh scored he would leap to his feet and ring his bell with the crowd naturally responding.

During the many famous FA Cup matches that Posh were involved in during the 50's Mr Posh could be seen on the platform greeting thousands of Posh fans travelling by special trains to away cup ties. On 26th January 1957, on one of the special trains which were carrying supporters to Huddersfield Mr Posh could also be found on the front of the engine!

This was by means of a special emblem cut-out to depict his character. Mr Posh was also depicted on the PUFC Supporters Club badges (pictured below) and could also be found in the popular Saturday night 'Pink Un' paper. (I shall cover some more of these games in later editions.)



Nevin carried on his predecessor's tradition of accompanying the Posh Fans to the Café Royal when still trying to be elected to the Football League proper. Nevin sadly passed away on 3rd September 2006 aged 87 years.

Over the years the tradition has carried on with the one time Posh legend 'Jolly' Jack Carmichael, taking the role for a short period, plus others. But now after many seasons my old friend Mick Jones (pictured above right) is continuing the trend. All of them suitably fitting the title of Mr Posh.