Sixfields switch comes out of the blue for defender Brisley

One phone call and a few seconds later, the central defender had agreed to sign on loan for Posh’s rivals Northampton Town and was looking forward to a Sixfields date with Oxford United on Saturday.

Brisley’s loan switch to the Cobblers is a move that came out of the blue for the player, but the 25-year-old didn’t need a second invitation.

“It all happened very quickly,” revealed Brisley.

“I only found out about 7.30pm on Thursday, so I jumped at the opportunity to come out and get some games.

“I’ve not been getting much playing time at Peterborough, so it is the perfect opportunity. It’s local, and I will get some game time.”

Brisley met his new team-mates and trained with them on Friday morning, and is likely to start in the centre of defence against unbeaten Oxford on Saturday (ko 3pm).

“It is a quick turnaround,” said Brisley, who began his career at Macclesfield, making his debut as a 16-year-old alongside his new Town centre-back partner Ryan Cresswell.

“I was training with Peterborough on Thursday, and then I am travelling on Friday morning and training with Northampton.

“But it is a nice game to start off with, against Oxford.

“We are at home, there should be a big crowd in, so I am looking forward to it.”

Brisley has been with Peterborough since 2012, with the highlight of his Posh career to date being when he scored the second goal in the 3-1 Johnstone’s Paints Trophy Final win against Chesterfield at Wembley in 2014.

But he has found himself sidelined a little since the turn of the year, and has made only one league start for the London Road club since February.

Peterborough is not a happy camp at the moment, with manager Dave Robertson being sacked last weekend, and Brisley is happy to get away and concentrate on his own game.

“It has been a difficult start to the season at Peterborough, which we’re not used to as the past couple of years we have always started well,” said Brisley.

“So I think the change in manager was made because of that start, and there is no news yet on any new manager coming in.

“We have three or four centre-halves so I just took this opportunity to get myself out and get myself some games.”

And what are the strengths and weknesses of the Cobblers’ new loan signing.

“I like to think I am good on the ball,” said Brisley, who is set to replace Rod McDonald at the heart of the Cobblers defence on Saturday.

“I made my debut in league two, so I know it’s a bit more rough, but I have that side to my game as well.

“Hopefully I can come here and help the boys out, and also enjoy my time here.”