El Presidente decrees Peterborough United must win promotion! And he tips Hull City to join Posh in the Championship

Peterborough United’s ‘El Presidente’ Darragh MacAnthony believes everything is in place for a strong promotion push in 2020/21.
El Presidente Darragh MacAnthony.El Presidente Darragh MacAnthony.
El Presidente Darragh MacAnthony.

Unlike previous seasons there will be no outrageous set of predictions and hopes from the often outspoken, and always entertaining co-owner, but he has spelled out in no uncertain terms on his ‘Hard Truth’ podcast how important it is for Posh to return to the Championship after seven frustrating seasons in the third tier.

Lower league club finances have been hard hit by the coronavirus crisis making the comparative riches of the Championship an even greater necessity for a club with a new stadium to build.

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“There’s too much uncertainty in Leagues One and Two,” MacAnthony said. “We need to get back into the Championship and stay there.

Former Posh boss Grant McCann.Former Posh boss Grant McCann.
Former Posh boss Grant McCann.

“Our club thrives compared to many because of the generosity of its owners and I am lucky to have two outstanding partners in Jason Neale and Stewart Thompson.

“But self sufficiency is a long-term aim of ours and reaching the Championship, and staying there, is vital if we are to achieve that.

“And we look in good shape this season.

“We have the best defence we’ve had for 15 years, the midfield is strong and we have replaced Ivan Toney with the closest to a like-for-like replacement possible with Jonson Clarke-Harris.

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“The lads know what is expected of them. They suffered an injustice last season, but it’s all about looking forward now. They are all proud to be playing for Peterborough United and I expect them to show a positive attitude and get the job done.

“I want us setting the pace. There is no point in being seventh or eighth at Christmas this season. I know how you finish is usually more important than how you start, but sometimes you’re not allowed to finish!

“It’s a tough season to predict, but I expect Hull to be among the frontrunners. They have kept good players from last season and I clearly taught Grant McCann how to recruit well as he has signed some good players.

“Grant knows League One. He showed that when taking Doncaster to the play-offs.

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“The usual suspects like Sunderland, Portsmouth and Oxford should be involved and I fancy the newcomers like Plymouth, Swindon and Crewe to go well.

“I really like Crewe. They’ve kept hold of some top young players.”

* Posh achieved plenty of MacAnthony’s pre-season wishlist last season and others were dashed by the pandemic.

Successes

An excellent home record

A player win the Golden Boot

To keep regular clean sheets

The continued growth of the schools initiative

To improve the facilities at the training ground

To smash commercial targets

To turn down a £5 million bid for a player

Fantasic football for the fanbase

Ruined by the pandemic

Automatic promotion and the League One title

5.5k season ticket sales (for the 2020-21 season)

Complete the stadium purchase.

A Bahamas/Vegas trip to celebrate promotion!

Failures

An average home gate of 8,500

Not signing a player in January

Three players in the EFL team of the year.