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Video: Posh heroes cheered on by thousands at parade
THOUSANDS of Posh fans shrugged off the rain when they turned out in force yesterday to cheer on their football hereos during a promotion parade.
THOUSANDS of Posh fans shrugged off the rain when they turned out in force yesterday to cheer on their football hereos during a promotion parade.Posh supporters young and old, defied the wet bank holiday weather to turn the city centre into a sea of blue as they waved flags and cheered their heroes on the triumphant open top bus tour from London Road.
Then, as the bus turned on to Long Causeway, umbrellas were discarded, and shades donned, as the sun shone down on the promotion celebrating team.
At the first sight of the accompanying police motorcade, cries of "they're coming" rang through the excited crowd and the sound of clapping, hooters, cheering and singing almost raised the roof off the nearby cathedral such was the deafening noise made by the fans who had grabbed every vantage point they could.
Related:
Slideshow: Posh promotion parade.
Posh promoted to the Championship: the full story.
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Hordes of fans had even followed behind the bus, which had led them pied-piper-like through the city centre to the town hall, where they were met by Mayor of Peterborough councillor Pat Nash and chief executive of Peterborough City Council, Gillian Beasley and other gathered dignitaries for a champagne reception.
The team finally made its way out to the front of the hall to be greeted by a rapturous reception from thrilled fans who were thanked by manager Darren Ferguson for their support throughout the year.
Captain Russell Martin told the audience the team were going to "crack on" next season, and winger George Boyd said the bus tour had been "brilliant" and promised that the team were not going "to rest on their laurels".
And Mr Ferguson added that it had been "a fantastic day for the fans"
He said: "To get back-to-back promotions is brilliant for the people of Peterborough.
"It's good for the city at a time when people are losing their jobs and the economic struggle is tough.
"The success of the team has put smiles on everyone faces."
And glamour model Nicola McLean, fiance of Peterborough United star Tom Williams, was among the family and friends of the players waiting at the town hall.
She said: "This is a real family club.
"Tom makes me proud every day and I can't wait to see him and the other boys playing in the Championship next season."
And singer Anthony Mclean, brother of Posh hotshot Aaron, added: "We are so proud, I didn't think I could get any prouder after last year, but I have been proved wrong, it's fantastic."
Among the crowd was Judith Cowlin (65), from Eastfield, Peterborough, who was celebrating the club's finest hour in her half century of supporting them.
She added: "It's even better than last year. I have bought my season ticket already, and can't wait for next season."
Little Harriet Coles (9) was waving her flag in eager anticipation of the bus arriving.
She said: "My favourite player is Craig Mackail-Smith, and I am really excited about seeing him."
And Nicola Hendrick had been queuing for a front row view of the players with her five-year-old daughter Nicole since 10am.
Nicola, a fan for 16 years, said: "It means such a lot to be here, the atmosphere has been brilliant and I am so pleased to see the turnout."
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Weather for Peterborough
Sunday 12 February 2012
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Temperature: 1 C to 5 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North west
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