Ferguson also reeked of champagne after a celebratory drenching at the hands of his players as they paraded around a packed London Road at the end of a magnificent campaign.

Posh may have lost their final League Two match 2-0 at home to Darlington, but for once the most competitive of managers was unconcerned by the result.

Ferguson said: "I can't possibly criticise the players in any way after what they've given me, the club and the supporters this season.

"This looked one game too many for us. It's been a long, demanding season and we looked weary against a Darlington side who made it very difficult for us,

"They played one up top and outnumbered us in midfield. We changed to a diamond formation in the second half, but it was one of those days when nothing was going to work for us.

"But the result was an irrelevance. We did want to win for the fans, but really the day was all about celebrating promotion and despite the result it's still been a wonderful day for us all."

Ferguson and his chairman Darragh MacAnthony led the players and their children on a lap of honour at the end - thankfully the fans heeded the warnings to stay off the pitch - after addressing the supporters.

The manager took the mic to thank the fans for their 'awesome support' and to promise another promotion party next season.

Ferguson added: "The fans have been superb all season. We have achieved promotion together and we are now all committed to having a right good go at going up again next season."

Darlington manager Dave Penney was delighted to have dampened the promotion party celebrations. His side hadn't won in eight matches so needed a confidence-booster ahead of next week's play-off semi-final first leg against Rochdale.

Penney said: "Our team talk was all about spoiling Peterborough's day. We did not want to be lambs to the slaughter and the lads responded superbly.

"We worked hard and denied them any time and space. It was an important win for us ahead of next week.

"But Peterborough deserved their promotion. The top three have been the best teams this season and they have been the most fortunate with injuries."

Darlington were missing 12 first-team players at London Road and lost goalkeeper David Stockdale to an injury in the opening minutes.

The visitors also gave a debut as a second-half substitute to 15 year-old Curtis Main.