Young Posh goalkeeper puts pen to paper on a new professional contract with the Football Club.
We are pleased to announce that goalkeeper Bastian Smith has signed a new contract with the 20-year-old agreeing a one year deal (with a year's option).
Smith, who was the regular number two last term, has plenty of experience at Under 21 level and will be part of the professional goalkeeper unit at the club alongside summer recruit Collin Andeng Ndi and Alex Bass.
Academy Director Dan Robinson said: "Bastian gained a lot of great experience last season working with the first team, especially for the latter part of the season as the number two. It has pushed him forward to a position where he has earned a new contract and we look forward to seeing how he develops this season with the Under 21s and supporting the first team when needed."
Senior PDP Coach Ryan Semple said: "Last season, with the two goalkeepers departing, he was our number two and that was a really good experience for him. He is slightly older than Benji (McWIlliams-Marcano) and when he joined us, he had a tough first campaign but learned loads, living away from home and the full-time training model benefitted him.
"He developed so much last season, working within the first team environment, he got better physically, which is obviously important in that position and we see a lot of potential in him. It is great to have him with us for this year and we will see how he develops."
Academy Head Of Goalkeeping Harry Hogg said: "Bastian has continued to show strong resilience in his time with the club and continued to work hard on and off the pitch. I have no doubt that being around the first team on a daily basis has accelerated his development and has improved his technical attributes as a goalkeeper, which he has demonstrated in his performances with the Under 21s towards the end of last season."
Smith added: "I really enjoyed working with Alex and Richard (Taylor, Goalkeeping Coach) last season and learned a lot. It was really good for my development as a goalkeeper and now it is about working hard and continuing to improve. Working in the first team environment at such a young age for a goalkeeper will be beneficial for me."