Peterborough United historian on the sheer weight of impressive results that led to Posh gaining election to the Football League 60 years ago today (May 28)

Posh historian Peter Lane described it as ‘the greatest day in the club’s history,’ partly because it had been such a long, and at times, tortuous journey.

Here Peter recalls the momentous day and the sheer weight of impressive results Posh achieved to make it possible.

Peter said: “28th May, 1960 was then the greatest day in the history of Peterborough United FC. At last, after 13 years of applying for status to the Football League, we finally achieved our ambition, and about time too, as we finally obtained the votes required.

“Even when Peterborough United were formed in 1934 board member Mr JW Cooper suggested the time was ripe for the club to think about trying to gain admission to the Football League, rather ambitious at that time maybe?

“But year after year the ‘old pals act’ failed to take notice of us, the team who were long regarded as the greatest non-league club in the country.

“What else did we have to do the prove our worth after winning FIVE consecutive Midland League titles from 1955/56 up to 1959/60?

“However, it was our wonderful exploits in the FA Cup that really made the football world take notice. After all we had beaten many Football League teams when I first started supporting Posh back in 1952 and watched us defeat Third Division South Torquay United 2-1 in front of a crowd of 12,938 at London Road.

“The following season saw us win 2-1 at home to Third Division South Aldershot in front of a record crowd of 16,743 fans.

“In the 1955/56 season Third Division South Ipswich Town and their manager Alf Ramsey were our next victims, 3-1 in front of yet another record attendance at London Road of 20,671!

“The next League team to suffer at the hands of Posh were Third Division North Bradford Park Avenue, who we beat 3-0. Into round three after holding Second Division side Lincoln City to a 2-2 draw with yet another new record attendance of 22,000. In the replay no fear Posh won 5-4 after extra time.

“In 1959/60 there were more scalps from the Football League, starting with a 4-3 victory over Third Division Shrewsbury Town, followed by two away wins over Fourth Division Walsall 3-2 and a second victory in round three over Second Division Ipswich Town 3-2.

“We also were beaten over the years by the likes of Bristol Rovers, First Division Cardiff City (A), Swindon Town (after a replay), Huddersfield Town (A), and Torquay United (after a replay).

“Apart from our great performances on the pitch, Posh boasted a wonderful stadium, including a brand new grandstand seating 3,700 and terracing accommodating 3,500 spectators. This now increased the capacity of the stadium to 30,000 fans, the envy of many Football League grounds, including several from the Second Division.

“Over the years Posh tried in vain to achieve Football League status (going back to 1947). In 1953/54 Mr Posh (Tom Keeble) led a 30-strong picket patrol of United supporters carrying placards to encourage voting. This took place before the Football League meeting outside the Café Royal in London, but again this proved disappointing as the club only received 18 votes.

“In 1958 seven strong clubs quit the Midland League so it put Posh in a precarious situation leading to the possibility of League statues or bust! There were thoughts of joining the Southern League, but the club thought better of it and continued in the depleted Midland League before once again Posh failed in their Football League quest by only receiving 15 votes.

“To cap it all manager George Swindin left to manage his old club Arsenal. Posh soon appointed a suitable replacement with former England and Sheffield United star Jimmy Hagan taking the reins.

“At the commencement of the 1959/60 season Posh suffered another great loss when losing chairman Frank Stimson who sadly passed away before realising his dream of leading his beloved club into the Football League.

“At the end of that season our dream finally came true as Peterborough United had fulfilled their ambition of entry into the Football League.

“I, along with virtually the whole of the city of Peterborough, was obviously delighted. Several supporters first heard the news when reading of it in the front window of the Peterborough Advertiser office in Broadway, because of course there was no instant media knowledge or mobiles then! Posh made headlines in all National newspapers to welcome our good news.

“Posh received 35 votes to replace Gateshead who only managed 18 votes, whilst Oldham (39 votes), Southport (29 votes) and Hartlepool (34 votes) were all re-elected. So these four clubs were elected and, would you believe it, their initial letters spelt out the word POSH!

“Immediately Peterborough United proved they were worthy of Football League status when, on 20th August, 1960 Posh played their very first match in Division Four against Wrexham at London Road and won convincingly 3-0. This team included NINE of the players from our Midland League team.

“Well the rest is history as we stormed Division Four by winning the Championship at our very first attempt whilst setting up a record number of goals (134), while centre-forward Terry Bly scored an individual record league number of goals (52).

“So after watching Posh play most of these matches from 1952 at London Road I, alongside my friends and parents, were pinching ourselves and looking forward to following our TEAM CALLED POSH! in the Football League.”