Peterborough United manager believes the League One season could be completed in four weeks

Peterborough United manager Darren Ferguson believes the current League One season could be completed in a four-week time period.
Posh boss Darren Ferguson (right) with coach Aaron Mclean.Posh boss Darren Ferguson (right) with coach Aaron Mclean.
Posh boss Darren Ferguson (right) with coach Aaron Mclean.

Ferguson, speaking on Posh chairman Darragh MacAnthony’s ‘Hard Truths’ podcast, is aiming to have his players back in full-time training on May 16 as per the latest EFL guidelines.

He will then prepare his squad for a 56-day campaign which could start in the middle of June. The EFL have suggested eight weeks is needed to complete the remaining 9/10 fixtures of the season plus the play-offs, but Ferguson has questioned why clubs need that long.

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Posh have nine League One fixtures remaining, all of which are expected to be played behind closed doors.

“We could play Saturday-Tuesday-Saturday and that’s our nine games done in three weeks,” Ferguson said. “And then another week for the play-offs.

“But we will follow the guidelines. We are currently preparing for a return to training on May 16 and it’s our job to make sure the players are physically and mentally ready to play so they are currently on a close-season programme

“The players have been stood down with only minimum fitness work for two weeks, then they will be given a three-week build-up to get them ready for a return to full-time training.

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“Then it’s three weeks of a pre-season programme and hopefully a couple of friendies so the players can get used to playing behind closed doors.

“My view on the lockdown hasn’t changed. It’s imperative we finish the current season. If it eats into next season we could easily cram that one into eight months rather than nine to catch up.”

The EFL have confirmed all matches will be streamed online.