Cobblers sign Peterborough United midfielder Harry Beautyman for undsclosed fee

Manager Rob Page has moved to strengthen his squad ahead of the big kick-off in a little over two weeks, with Beautyman joining on a two-year deal.

The 24-year-old was a regular performer for Posh in the second half of their league one campaign last season, having joined the London Road club from non-League Welling in January, 2015.

He had a year to run on his Posh deal, but was told in the summer by new Peterborough manager Grant McCann that he was surplus to requirements, and was transfer-listed.

Beautyman, who spent time on trial at Oldham Athletic earlier this week and played in a pre-season friendly for the Latics on Tuesday, becomes the second ex-Posh player to sign on at Sixfields, with central defender Gabrial Zakuani having put pen to paper last month.

“Harry is a very good addition for us,” said Cobblers boss Page.

“He is a lively character and a player who has a decent amount of experience in League One. He is also a good age, who will get better and better, and I think we are signing him at a good time.

“He is a box to box midfielder who creates things, makes things happen and can score a goal or two so he will add to our attacking options.

“He attracted a fair amount of interest over the summer and we are pleased we have been able to bring him to the club.”

Beginning his career in the youth system at Leyton Orient, Beautyman failed to register a first team appearance at Brisbane Road, and after his release in 2011 he signed for Sutton United.

Two productive years followed, with the player scoring 21 times in 81 league appearances from midfield, and that form earned him a move to National Conference side Welling.

Beautyman excelled again, and ended as their top scorer with 11 goals in his first full season.

His performances attracted the attention of Peterborough, who initially signed Beautyman on loan in November, 2014, and then took him on a permanent deal for an undisclosed fee in January, 2015.

In all, Beautyman made 37 starts and eight substitute appearances in his 18 months with Posh, scoring five goals.

Last season he didn’t feature in the league until November, but then played 27 times, scoring three goals.

Beautyman didn’t feature in either of Posh’s games against Page’s Port Vale last season, but did play in a 2-1 defeat for Posh at Vale Park in January, 2015.