Peterborough United have a manager who won’t stand for any nonsense, so players must shape up or ship out

The chairman’s language was a little more colourful than that in a interview with the Posh + service, but he has been impressed with the single-minded professionalism of McCann and his coaching team.

“I can smell the professionalism now,” MacAnthony stated. “We have a management team now that doesn’t care about star players as such, they care about hard work and a work ethic.

"Grant McCann has gone away from our club and grown up. The man I appointed as our under 15 manager, then our assistant manager and then a manager that I fired has evolved into a very impressive character.

"He’s more demanding of me and the players. He’s more sure about himself. I know that by the demands he keeps placing on me. Not players, but extra backroom staff and the little things that he believes will make a difference.

"You either fit in or go away now. It doesn’t matter if you are Cristiano Ronaldo or a youth team player, this manager will not put up with any nonsense. No-one will mess this staff around. I like and respect that.

"We have nine months to get back into the Championship and everyone has to buy into that. There’s obviously a hangover after relegation, but the best way to get over it is to work really hard and make it a short stay in League One. I got over it quickly as I could see it coming and I knew I had to start supporting the staff for the next season.

"I’ve never seen a group of players looking so fit and strong at this stage of the season. They could play a league game tomorrow.

"I’ve been watching some high intensity training and seen some drills I’ve never seen before. It’s been incredible to watch. There’s been a real good atmopshere and vibe around the place.

"The manager has also upped the grade on the character of the players we have signed. They are all good characters."

Posh tackle League Two side Leyton Orient in their first pre-season friendly in Portugal tomorrow, a match that can be watched live online.

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