The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
‘El Presidente’ in promotion decree
El Presidente Darragh MacAnthony (he changed his title tohonourapromisetoquit as chairman if Posh failed to reach the League One playoffs last season) believes everything is in place for astrong promotion push in 2020/21.
Unlike previous seasons there will be no outrageous set of predictions and hopes from the often outspoken, and always entertaining coowner, but he has spelled out in no uncertain terms on his ‘HardTruth’podcasthowimportantit is for Poshtoreturn to the Championship after seven frustrating seasons in the third tier.
Lower league club finances have been hard hit by the coronavirus crisis, making the comparative riches of the Championshipanevengreater necessity for a club with a new stadium to build.
“There’s too much uncertainty in Leagues One and Two,” MacAnthony said. “We need to get back into the Championship and stay there.
“Our club thrives compared to many because of the generosity of its owners and I am lucky to have two outstanding partners in Jason Neale and Stewart Thompson.
“But self sufficiency is a long-term aim of ours and reaching the Championship, andstayingthere, is vital if we are to achieve that.
“Andwelookingoodshape this season.
“We have the best defence we’ve had for 15 years, the midfield is strong, and we have replaced Ivan Toney with the closest to a like-forlike replacement possible with Jonson Clarke-Harris.
“Thelads knowwhatisexpectedofthem. Theysuffered an injustice last season, but it’s all about looking forward now. They are all proud to be playing for Peterborough United and I expect them to show a positive attitude and get the job done.
“I wantussettingthepace. Thereisnopointinbeingseventh or eighth at Christmas this season.
“I know how you finish is usually moreimportantthan howyoustart, butsometimes you’re not allowed to finish!
“It’s a tough season to predict, but I expect Hull to be among the frontrunners. They have kept good players from last season and I clearly taught Grant McCann how to recruit well as he has signed some good players.
“GrantknowsLeague One well. He showed that when taking Doncaster to the playoffs.
“The usual suspects like Sunderland, Portsmouthand Oxford should be involved and I fancy the newcomers like Plymouth, Swindon and Crewe to go well.
“I real l y l i ke Crewe. They’vekeptholdofsometop young players.”
Posh achieved much of MacAnthony’s wishlist for 2019-20 and other targets were dashed by Covid.
MacAnthony wanted an excellent home record ✔ , to see a player win the Golden Boot , to keep regular clean sheets ✔ , the continued growth of the schools initiative , to improve the facilities at the training ground , to smashcommercialtargets
andtoturndownan£8million bid for a player .
Others like the stadium purchase andautomatic promotion were still achievable when the season was halted in March.
Posh did fall short on MacAnthony’s aimof an average home gate of 8,500 though.