But there were plenty of memorable moments to accompany the dark times.
Here we present a statistical review of the season.
9.
Siriki Dembele (pictured) was credited with more Posh goal assists (7) than Marcus Maddison (6) in the 2019-20 season despite starting fewer matches (12 compared to 19). The next best Posh players in the League One assist charts were wing-backs Dan Butler and Joe Ward, plus star striker Ivan Toney who were all awarded five apiece. Liam Feeney of Blackpool topped the League One table with 14, three more than Scott Fraser (Burton). Photo: Midlands
10.
The best Posh winning streak of the season was six matches as Wycombe, Rotherham, Accrington, Ipswich, Oxford and Southend were all vanquished in January and February. Posh tended to win win in spurts and only the 1-0 win over Bolton in December didn’t either follow or precede another win. The worst losing streak was four games over the festive season against Doncaster, Rotherham, Lincoln and Burnley. Josh Knight is pictured with Niall Mason (right) after scoring in the 4-0 win over Oxford. Photo: Midlands
11.
The longest unbeaten run of the season for Posh was nine games against Stevenage (1-1), Cambridge (2-1), Stevenage (2-0), Burton (1-0, thanks to Joe Ward, pictured), Dover (3-0), Ipswich (1-1), Portsmouth (2-2), Bolton (1-0) and Bristol Rovers (0-0).That game at Rovers also started the longest run of games without a win which went to include Doncaster (0-3), Rotherham (0-4), Lincoln (1-2), Burnley (2-4), Gillingham (0-0) and Wimbledon (0-1). Photo: Midlands
12.
Highest gates (home) 10,071 v Ipwich 10,005 v Sunderland 9,872 v Lincoln 9,414 v Portsmouth 8,363 v Oxford. Lowest gates (home) 2,310 v Ipswich 3131 v Arsenal 3,425 v Cambridge 3,593 v Stevenage 3,851 v Wycombe. Sir Alex Ferguson (pictured) left attended the home game with Ipswich. Photo: Midlands