Posh chairman calls out ‘cowardly’ players after one rejection too many

Posh chairman Darragh MacAnthony has described club transfer targets who don’t want to take part in a Championship relegation battle as ‘cowards.’

MacAnthony has been working flat out to recruit extra players in the January transfer window as Posh battle to stay in the second tier.

Knockbacks from topflight players and clubs have been commonplace, leading to strong words from the chairman in the latest edition of his ‘Hard Truth’ podcast.

“I had one player lined up who seemed desperate to come to play for us,” MacAnthony stated. “But now he has changed his mind claiming he wants to wait until the summer before making any decisions.

“He doesn’t want to be involved in a relegation fight and if that’s the case I don’t want him. I’d rather play a bunch of 17 year-0lds.

“It’s a cowardly reaction. These players are cowards.

“There was another player we were tracking for ages. He would have been a target if we’d lost Siriki Dembele.

“His club eventually said they didn’t want to let him out on loan. They then signed a player and let our target go out on loan to another Championship club.

“I’m trying really hard, but it’s like pulling teeth sometimes.

“We don’t even get the courtesy of a reply when we approach some clubs about a player.

“I know I’ve been failing, but I don’t need fans on social media telling me what to do.

“I’m aware of the club’s shortcomings, but I’ve been my own boss since I was 19 so I haven’t taken orders from anyone for a long time.

“They tell me to go and sign Marcus Forss from Brentford. Okay, but he’s on £17k a week and they’d want a £1 million bonus if we stay up.

“Other Championship clubs chasing promotion will probably pay that and that’s where he’ll end up. It’s what we’re up against.”

Fellow co-owner Dr Jason Neale remains confident Posh will stay up this season.

Dr Neale surfaced on social media after Tuesday’s 2-2 draw at Birmingham City to also defend the record of the current owners in the face of criticism from some fans.

Dr Neale said: “Our manager and the owners absolutely believe we will stay up.

“There are 20 big games to come with 11 at home so all to play for so let’s pack the Weston Homes Stadium and get back behind the team.

“In the last four years we have (a) bought the stadium, (b) built a dome (at the training ground), (c) achieved Category 2 Academy status, (d) developed and sold multiple players including Ivan Toney and (e) won promotion.

“We all love the club so let’s please stick together.”

Posh co-owners Dr Jason Neale (left) and Darragh MacAnthony.