Peterborough United manager believes the 2020-21 League season could become a survival of the fittest

The League One campaign is expected to start on Saturday, September 12, about five weeks later than normal, meaning a plethora of midweek games, expecially for those clubs who embark on cup runs.

The first round of the Carabao Cup is expected to kick off the season on September 5 with a midweek Leasing.com Trophy game also to take place before the League One season kicks off.

The first team squad will return to training on Monday (July 20) providing they all pass coronavirus testing today (Friday, July 17).

Ricky-Jade Jones (right) could be a key Posh player next season.

“It’s going to be a long, tough slog next season,” Ferguson said.

“If we start on September 12 it could mean 34 Saturdays so that’s 12 midweek games and possibly several more if we do well in the cup competitions.

“There will be far less training and far more recovery sessions, but I am confident we will cope with whatever is thrown at us. We just want to get back playing again.

“The full first-team squad will be back on Monday and if they return in the same shape as the youngsters who returned a couple of weeks ago I will be very happy.

“Squad sizes could be restricted this season, but they won’t include youngsters in that so we should be in decent shape. “It could be a big year for some of our younger players as with the regularity of matches I will need every single member of the squad.

“And I would have no hesitation in picking them. Some like Serhat Tasdemir, Ricky-Jade Jones and Harrison Burrows have good first-team experience already.

“I like the idea of playing cup matches before the League One season starts.

“We’ve done it before and they will be more interesting matches for the players than friendlies and the fans should enjoy them more.”

Ferguson expects to reveal his new assistant manager in the next few days with former Posh coach Mark Robson the firm favourite to replace Gavin Strachan who landed a dream job at Scottish giants Celtic last month.

Robson currently works with the England age group teams at St George’s.