Chairman of Peterborough United Darragh MacAnthony admitted he was close to leaving London Road because of his frustrations with the council, but said he no longer feels that way.
Peterborough City Council yesterday announced it has thrashed out a deal with the football club, paving the way to the club owning the ground again as well as revamping the Moy’s End stand.
In an interview with the BBC this morning (Tuesday), Darragh said the move was positive but complained that he has spent about £3.5 million in the last four or five years on rent, rates and repairs.
He said: “It is progress, we are getting there. We have done some pre-contract stuff.
“It’s not all signed and sealed, not that I want to pour cold water on any good news, because it is positive.
“The city council has been very happy to work with us. Our long-term goal is to buy the ground back; our long-term goal is to modernise the ground and have an all-seater stadium.
“They believe in that, they are with us with that and they are helping us as best they can.
“We are still talking about the price of that, what the rents will be, what the buy deal will be and how we can afford that because as you know the rent we pay is colossal.
“There are still a few things we need to iron out but we are getting there.”
Despite the positive news, Darragh still had a moan about the city council and the amount he pays, complaining that other clubs get much more assistance meaning they can invest in the squad.
He added: “It really does frustrate me. But I think we are starting to get on the same page.
“This isn’t about me being greedy and wanting this and this and this.
“I only want what’s right for the city, the community. I think the football club is a big part of that, I want everyone to support that.
“I know some taxpayers will have a moan and say all that money that goes on the football club. Well that’s total nonsense, we bring millions into that city, we do massive work in the community and it’s well worth our place and any backing we get from the council.”
He added: “It is massively important to the city, it is massively important to the club because it was getting to the point where we had a couple of years left on the lease and I was ready to serve notice and look elsewhere and that’s me being really blunt and honest.
“But I am not at that point now. I think we are at the point where we are moving forward in a nice way.”
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