Peterborough United chairman's bold prediction of an automatic promotion challenge....next season

MacAnthony continues to be impressed by the management impact made by Luke Williams who has led Posh from bottom to 12th in League One in 11 matches. That record will get a severe test from Bolton Wanderers at the Weston Homes Stadium on Saturday (3pm kick off).

MacAnthony, who was speaking on the latest edition of his ‘Hard Truth’ podcast, is hosting a recruitment meeting next week. The priority for now is to reduce the numbers of a bloated squad, but incomings can be expected, albeit not ‘players who will change the team dramatically.’

The PT understands forward Klaidi Lolos is expected to leave Posh for Crawley Town on Friday.

MacAnthony said: "We have to free up space on the training ground so me and Barry Fry have to do better and get more players on their way. A couple are happening as we speak.

"We have too many players and some are now coming back from injuries. We have to stay inside the salary cap. One or two might come in, but they won’t be players who change us dramatically. The players we really want to sign permanently are not available yet, one would replace Archie Collins if he doesn’t sign another contract with us ,and one is a winger to put pressure on those already at the club.

"We are a couple of pieces away from challenging for automatic promotion next season. I’m sure we will do well this season, but I’m not sure how well as the league has been so crazy.

"I don’t have a manager who is on the phone asking me to sign this player or that player. I have a manager who first wants to look at the players who are already here. He doesn’t want to take away the chances for squad players.

"He’s a joy to listen to. He’s a players’ coach and it’s clear we have a lot of fight in the team under this manager. The players have bought into this managher’s methods.”

MacAnthony revealed three EFL clubs are interested in taking striker Pemi Aderoju on loan, including a team towards the top of League Two. Aderoju could well be in the Posh matchday squad for the visit of Bolton.