IT’S TIME TO END 7 YEARS OF PAIN

Posh boss Darren Ferguson insists it’s time to end seven seasons of hurt.

Posh have been stuck i n League One since an agonising relegation fromtheChampionshiponthefinaldayofthe 2012-13 season.

Theyhaven’t even reached the play-offsinthelast six seasons despite the impressive financial backing of Darragh MacAnthony and his co-owners StewartThompsonandDr Jason Neale.

That boardroom support has again been apparent this summer with the millionpound purchases of striker Jonson Clarke-Harris and attacking midfielder Sammie Szmodics.

But Ferguson insists he is not feeling under pressure to deliver.

“The expectations are always high at this club,” Ferguson stated.

“I understand that and I accept it because the financial support of the owners is always outstanding.

“They always plough money from player sales back into thesquadsoinsomewaysIam a lucky manager.

“I don’t feel pressure as such though. The fact I have been in this situation before at this club is a big help.

“Six years without playoffs is a long time for this club though.

“We’ve come close and obviously we couldn’t do a lot about last season.

“I am confident we will be competitiveandIamveryhappy with the squad, especially as Sammie is now back.

“It’s certainly time for us to stepupandchallengestrongly for promotion. Wearealllooking forwardtothat challenge.”

Posh start their 2020-21 League Onecampaignbehind closed doors at Accrington Stanley on Saturday.

MacAnthony is expecting some return on his investment this season, but he, his partners and Ferguson are all part of a long-term vision for the club.

New Posh signing Sammie Szmodics with the Posh away shirt for the 2020-21 season. The shirt is available to buy in the club shop and online now.