Peterborough United fans give Darragh a huge lift as he starts preparations for a tilt at the 2020-21 League One title

Peterborough United co-owner Darragh MacAnthony admits he’s been given a huge lift by the club’s fans following the demoralising decision of League One clubs and the EFL season to halt the season early and scupper his club’s chances of promotion.
By Alan Swann
Published 14th Jun 2020, 12:00 BST
Updated 14th Jun 2020, 12:58 BST
Posh chairman Darragh MacAnthony (right) with director of football Barry Fry.Posh chairman Darragh MacAnthony (right) with director of football Barry Fry.
Posh chairman Darragh MacAnthony (right) with director of football Barry Fry.

MacAnthony’s attentions are now firmly on next season when he will head ‘operation vengeance,’ a masterplan aimed at winning the League One title and returning to the Championship for the first time in eight years.

“It still hurts when I think about the nonsense that went on,” MacAnthony admitted.

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“But everyone connected to my club has been brilliant and they appreciate the fight me and my partners showed.

Jack 'The Machine' Taylor.Jack 'The Machine' Taylor.
Jack 'The Machine' Taylor.

“The behind-the-scenes staff and the players have been supportive and the fans have given me a real lift.

“I’ve had e-mails galore backing our stance and pledging support and that means so much to me.

“We are going to need that support next season and the support of the city council and the support of the city as a whole and I think we will get it.

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“There will be sacrifices along the way. There will be cutbacks and departures, but there is a saying ‘what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger’ and that’s what will happen with us.

“I’m 44. I’ve had setbacks and disappointments in my life and I’ve always bounced back and that’s what the club will do now.

“Of course talking about ‘operation vengeance’ could leave us with egg on our face, but we will be single-minded and have just one mission next season which is to get back to the Championship.

“It’s essential for this club that we get there. We thought we would do it this season. We built a squad to do just that.

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“But we still have a strong squad in place. Our goalkeeper will win the Golden Glove for League One this season, we have the best defence we’ve had in years and in Jack Taylor we have a midfielder who will be a machine next season.

“We will probably sell Ivan Toney, but we have identified his replacement and we already have Mo Eisa, Siriki Dembele and Ricky-Jade Jones at the club.

“We will be in a good place whenever we are allowed to start next season.”

MacAnthony confirmed building the new stadium might be delayed a little by recent events, but the club remain committed to its arrival.

Related topics:Darragh MacAnthonyLeague OneEFLGolden Glove

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