MacAnthony's millions have enabled Posh to assemble a high-class side which equalled the club record of 28 wins in a single season as they secured a well-deserved promotion from League Two.

MacAnthony received a standing ovation before the game and at half-time. He was also on the pitch at the end to hand out the League Two runners-up medals to the players before presenting the runners-up shield to captain Micah Hyde.

MacAnthony said: "This is the pinnacle of the season. It's what we have been aiming for since the summer and what we expected to get.

"But it's not been easy. The manager and the players deserve a lot of credit for the way they won promotion.

"We've enjoyed every minute of the season. When I arrived at the club I think we had crowds of 3,700 and now we should be able to claim an average of over 6,000 for the season.

"It shows the support is out there. we've kept the old fans and gained some new ones who I'm sure will keep coming back because of the entertainment we offer.

"The potential is there on and off the pitch. It's why we can aim for the League One title and a trip to Wembley in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy next season."

MacAnthony is treating manager Darren Ferguson, assistant manager Kevin Russell and goalkeeping coach Andy Dibble to a break in the Bahamas as a reward for their efforts this season.