Peterborough United will still be better off than most League One teams in 2020-21

But Posh could have more reasons than most to be optimistic in their eighth successive season in third tier.

FINANCES

Posh will undoubtedly take a financial hit. Chairman Darragh MacAnthony has previously said failing to complete the season would cost the club around £1 million in lost gate receipts and refunds to season ticket holders, sponsors, TV companies and football’s governing bodies.

The club will also be expected to pay their deferred VAT bills in the Autumn.

But the same is true of all lower division clubs and Posh are fortunate to have three wealthy owners who will cushion the blow.

A lot has been made by rival clubs of Barry Fry’s revelation that Posh had the biggest playing budget in the club’s history this season. They assume it was an all-or-nothing punt on promotion which is nonsense.

It’s safe to assume the Posh budget for 2020-2021, although lower than the current season, will still be higher than most and the expected sale of Ivan Toney will generate several million pounds.

Others are not so fortunate. Even League One giants Sunderland could be in trouble if they don’t find a new owner. They won’t have any parachute payment money next season.

Burton Albion have already parted company with their manager Nigel Clough because of financial concerns.

PLAYERS

Toney’s departure will be a blow to manager Darren Ferguson, but the club have replaced outstanding strikers before, most notably Dwight Gayle and Britt Assombalonga, and there is no reason to believe they won’t again.

One of the unfortunate fall outs of the looming financial crisis in football will be the pressure on clubs to sell talent and Posh, armed with some of the Toney proceeds, will be ready to pounce.

Toney aside, Posh have all the players they want under contract for next season, although they would have liked the opportunity to sign successful players Sammie Szmodics, Josh Knight and Reece Brown on a permanent basis. This won’t happen, but don’t rule out loan mves for the same players once the 2020-21 season is under way.

And, barring any currently unforseeable sales, Posh will have a goalkeeper and defence who have proven to be top end of League One performers. Posh need to find at least three replacements for likely departees, most likely in midfield, but other clubs will face considerably greater re-building projects.

BEHIND THE SCENES

A big unknown for next season is how the expected departure of assistant boss Gavin Strachan will affect the management of Posh, especially following on so soon after first-team coach Aaron Mclean was allowed to leave the club.

Despite the job titles Strachan was the coaching guru at the Weston Homes Stadium and he’s worked alongside first-team manager Darren Ferguson for several years. Ferguson enjoyed success with Kevin Russell alongside him and it’s vital he finds another partner he trusts and respects.

Mclean is new to coaching, but don’t underestimate his influence on the strikers at the club. His effervescent personality will certainly be missed.

OFF THE PITCH

The Posh fans were very supportive of the club’s stance during the controversial end to the 2019-20 season and season ticket sales for 2020-21 have been decent in the circumstances.

There’s every chance the club and its fanbase will pull together after suffering such an unjust end to this season. You never know the supporters could make a vital difference.