League One’s roll call for 2020-21 includes relative giants like Charlton Athletic, Sunderland, Ipswich Town, Portsmouth and Hull City.
It also includes Wigan (currently at least) who amassed 61 points in the Championship last season and clubs who have shown they can overcome limited budgets and small fanbases to succeed in the third tier like Oxford and Fleetwood.
Even two of the three sides promoted from League Two - Northampton and Swindon - have played in the top flight of English football in the past!
A tough ask then for a Posh team who haven’t even reached the play-offs in the last six League One seasons.
But it’s the plight of the clubs relegated into League One which should give Posh, and any other well-financed and well-run club, hope.
The gap between League One and the Championship is huge, but the circumstances next season will be unique.
Charlton, Wigan and Hull have all experienced severe ownership issues with Addicks boss Lee Bowyer particularly vocal on damage caused by uncertainty.
Hull are an absolute mess with fans turning on unpopular owners and manager Grant McCann after an horrific second half of the season and it’s hard to see them pulling it around very quickly.
Wigan have been shafted by owner shenanigans and EFL incompetence, but if they don’t win their appeal today (July 31) they will face the loss of several key men.
Barnsley will replace Wigan in League One if the Latics win their appeal. The result of the appeal is expected next week.
Here is the current state of play as Posh’s League One rivals...
1.
ACCRINGTON STANLEY: The smallest club in League One will be even smaller next season. They’ve seen 11 out of contract players depart including goalkeeper Dimitar Evtimov and striker Offrande Zanzala and it would be a major surprise if star man Jordan Clark didn’t also leave, with Posh among his known admirers. Chairman Andy Holt (pictured) has touched on the subject of administration and one can safely assume he’s not thrilled about playing the start of the season behind closed doors. Verdict: A big struggle ahead.
2.
AFC WIMBLEDON: Another of the smaller clubs in League One to have released 11 players in the summer and another to sound warnings about financial problems ahead. Expect the real Dons to rely heavily on loan players again next season They could receive an emotional boost if their return to Plough Lane (pictured) is completed on schedule in October, but they will needmuch more than to survive another season in League One. Verdict: It will be tough. Photo: Getty Images.
3.
BLACKPOOL: The Seasiders have been the most active League One club in the transfer market so far with five July signings already, although key midfielder Jay Spearing did turn down the offer of a new contract. They have a relatively new owner and manager this season and optimism is high they will have a decent season under former Liverpool Under 23 boss Neil Critchley (pictured). They certainly seem less affected by financial issues than many other third tier clubs. Verdict: Keep an eye on them. Photo: Martin Rickett PA wire.
4.
BRISTOL ROVERS: Rovers are benefitting from a wealthy owner from the Middle East who claims the club is close to being debt free. They’ve been busy in the transfer market and look set to field a new centre-back partnership of former Posh skipper Jack Baldwin (pictured) and ex-Gillingham stalwart Mx Ehmer, but hanging on to free-scoring striker Jonson Clarke-Harris will be crucial to their chances of a promotion challenge and there’s plenty of interest in the player. Verdict: Lively outsiders.