New Posh signing Niall Mason.

Mason (22) has signed a two-year contract in a move that is bound to cause some controversy. The player was sacked by Doncaster last season after he admitted a charge of sexual assault in January. He received a six-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, for assaulting a woman in 2018.

Mason helped Doncaster to promotion from League Two in the 2017-18 season after being handed his debut by Darren Ferguson and was a regular in the first half of last term before departing the Keapmoat Stadium following his well-documented off-the-pitch incident.

Ferguson is well aware that the move may appear controversial. but is a big believer in second chances and is convinced he has the attributes to be an asset on the pitch.

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“This could be viewed as a controversial signing given what happened to him earlier this year,” Ferguson said. “Obviously the boy has made a massive mistake, but I do believe he deserves another chance. He has admitted he has made a mistake. He had poor advice from his legal team, which is something he is aware of, but clearly as a club, we feel we can move on from it.

“There were several other clubs in for his services. We have done well to get the deal over the line. He is a very versatile player, he was excellent for me at Doncaster and there is no question that he has the right character.

“He can play in a number of different positions, technically good with both feet and he was ‘Mr Consistent’ at Doncaster.

“Working with him in the time he did, I am fully aware that what happened involving him is not part of his personality. Niall is not the person that people may view him

as from the outside based on that once incident.

“It is important we have a bit of versatility from within the squad. He can play right-back, left-back or as a centre-back as part of a three. He can play in midfield and he understands exactly how I want to play. I am looking forward to working with him again.”

Mason, who used the first part of his video interview with the football club, to put his viewpoint on the last few months, said: “I made a big mistake in my life and the

reason for the plea at court was off the back of advice from my legal team, which they really got wrong. I am upset about what happened, but it is now about trying to

move on and looking to the future. I have joined a really good club and I can’t wait to get started.

“I know the manager well. He gave me my debut at Doncaster and I know what he is all about and what he will expect from me. I will do all I can to help the team in