ISLE of Wight-born footballer Dan Butler may have missed out on promotion in the League 2 play-off final last Saturday, but his performances this season have earned him a step up to League 1 with Peterborough.

The former Newport County left back, who has been earning rave reviews for his performances with the Exiles this season, is looking forward to another promotion campaign with Posh, one of the division's high-flyers this season after signing on a free transfer.

Dan, 24, who grew up in Cowes, had turned down a contract extension with Newport County after he had played 160 games for them.

He told the Isle of Wight County Press: "I'm over the moon. Peterborough are such a big club. I'm very excited and I just can't wait to get started.

"This move is everything that I have been working towards. I have never hidden the fact I have always wanted to play at as high a level as I can, so when Peterborough manager Darren Ferguson came in for me, it was a no brainer.

"The standards will be higher at Peterborough, as will competition for places in the first team, but I am confident in my ability, and if I can play the way I did last season, I know I will play more games than not next season."

Before he travels to Peterborough to join his new team-mates for pre-season on June 24, Dan will be in Ibiza getting married to fiance, Summer, a fellow Islander. The couple have an 18-month-old daughter, Dolly.

"It will be a fresh start for us all. It was sad to leave Newport. I have a big relationship with the players, staff and the fans," Dan said. 

"Dolly will be particularly sad, because she supports Newport. I will have to get her a Peterborough shirt."

Newport County manager Michael Flynn added: "I wish Dan all the very best at Peterborough. He has been a fantastic servant to the club and has earned this move to the league above."