Boss: Posh must use pain as motivation

Manager Grant McCann is determined to bring Posh back to the Sky Bet Championship at the first attempt next season.

Relegation after just one campaign in the second tier was confirmed by a 1-0 defeat at home to promotion hopefuls Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

Posh played with plenty of spirit and commitment – as has been the hallmark since McCann got his teeth into the job.

And the boss now wants his players to use the pain of relegation from the second tier as motivation for next season’s anticipated League One promotion push.

McCann said: “It was a tough day for everyone.

"For the good people who work tirelessly behind the scenes and for the fans who have been immense.

"We just haven’t been able to deliver for them.

“But after the game I thanked the players for their efforts in the 12 games since I’ve been here. Their determination, effort and attitude has been first-class.

"I now want the players to feel the pain and use it to their advantage next season. The comeback will always be stronger than the setback.

"In my time here I would love us to become a sustainable Championship club, but it’s one step at a time and next season we have to get out of

League One.

"I’ve never been more determined to get a job right.”

Posh were the better side against promotion-chasing Forest until falling behind to a goal on the stroke of halftime from Sam Surridge.

Ricky-Jade Jones created a great chance for himself with a great turn early on, but was foiled by an excellent save by Forest ‘keeper Brice Samba.

Posh huffed and puffed after the break, but rarely looked like equalising, but there were no jeers from home fans after the final whistle despite the fact relegation was confirmed.

The players and manager were generously applauded by those inside the Weston Homes Stadium as supporters recognised their efforts in recent weeks that has seen a mar ked upturn in form and results.

McCann added: “We went toe-to-toe with the best form team in the league and lost because of a lapse in concentration."

Peterborough United players cut dejected figures after Nottingham Forest scored the only goal of the game (Picture: Joe Dent)