The new chairman of Peterborough United, who hopes to acquire the club outright, suggested a casino could be built as part of a leisure complex that would include a state-of-the-art 30,000-seater stadium for Posh.

If the Dubliner's dream is realised, Posh would move from London Road after more than a century and play in a stadium fit for the Premiership football he craves.

And Mr MacAnthony said a new casino, hotel and leisure facilities could be part of the complex that accommodates the new stadium.

The 30 year old, who runs an international real estate company, said today his "ultimate goal is to move the club to the outskirts of the city and build a 30,000-seater stadium" within the next five years.

"There are all sorts of possibilities," he said. "Some entertainment facilities and a casino could be among those."

Peterborough City Council is awaiting a decision from the Government's Casino Advisory Board on whether it will be allowed a casino.

City council leader of John Peach said: "We have no idea if we are going to be successful. If we are, and it's a big if, then we would draw up a planning brief.

"It's really too early to say anything as we don't know if we will get one or not. But we do want an upmarket place that brings added value to the city. We are not in it just for the gambling. if it could be part of a complex then thats the sort thing we are looking for."

City businessman Rinaldo Fasulo, who has long expressed his interest in building a casino, however, did not welcome the competition.

He said: "Building a casino is my dream. I am hoping the city council will support me and we are expecting to get an answer in November or December.

"I already have a lot of competition to build the casino and don't need any more, I think Mr MacAnthony should wait his turn.

"His plans for Posh are admirable, but the casino will be built long before any new stadium."

HAVE YOUR SAY: Send our editorial team an email now with your comments.