Peterborough United’s grand gesture towards non-league sides as co-owner makes stark prediction re future of League One clubs

Peterborough United are one of only five League One clubs certain NOT to go into administration this season if a healthy financial bailout is not received soon.
Dr Jason Neale.Dr Jason Neale.
Dr Jason Neale.

Posh co-owner Dr Jason Neale made the stark prediction after the Peterborough Telegraph published figures detailing how much each club stands to lose if matches remain behind closed doors.

The projected figure, according to business rescue experts, for Posh was just under £248k per game. That figure is based on stadium capacity, the price of a pint and ticket prices and Dr Neale admitted the figure was fairly accurate.

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Dr Neale said: “Those numbers are not far off. Unless there is a bailout from either the Premier League or the UK Government, only five League One clubs are certain not to go into some form of administration by the season end.

Posh co-owner Darragh MacAnthony (right) with the club's director of football Barry Fry.Posh co-owner Darragh MacAnthony (right) with the club's director of football Barry Fry.
Posh co-owner Darragh MacAnthony (right) with the club's director of football Barry Fry.

“Fortunately we are one of them, but I fear for my friends in other clubs.

“Without a bailout at least two will go to the wall.”

Sunderland, who host Posh in a League One game behind closed doors on Saturday (September 26) stand to lose over £900k per game, the highest amount in the division.

Posh were expecting to use a limited capacity for home games from October, but the UK Government has now scrapped that possibility. Some expect it to be March before any fans are allowed back in which will cause issues for the 3,500 Posh season ticket holders who are currently compensated with a free iFollow broadcast of home matches.

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Despite the financial setback Posh chief Darragh MacAnthony has revealed he will pay 100% of the wages of any Posh player who goes out on loan to a non-league club, while the fan ban remains.

MacAnthony said: “I hope National League clubs can get up & running somehow. One way we in the EFL can help is to not charge any wages for the younger players we put out on loan to any non-league club until they get fans back. It’s the least we can do and Posh will do it.”

The National League had been due to start on October 3, but that is likely to be delayed if fans are not admitted to matches.