League One’s roll call for 2020-21 includes relative giants like Charlton Athletic, Sunderland, Ipswich Town, Portsmouth and Hull City.
It also includes Wigan (currently at least) who amassed 61 points in the Championship last season and clubs who have shown they can overcome limited budgets and small fanbases to succeed in the third tier like Oxford and Fleetwood.
Even two of the three sides promoted from League Two - Northampton and Swindon - have played in the top flight of English football in the past!
A tough ask then for a Posh team who haven’t even reached the play-offs in the last six League One seasons.
But it’s the plight of the clubs relegated into League One which should give Posh, and any other well-financed and well-run club, hope.
The gap between League One and the Championship is huge, but the circumstances next season will be unique.
Charlton, Wigan and Hull have all experienced severe ownership issues with Addicks boss Lee Bowyer particularly vocal on damage caused by uncertainty.
Hull are an absolute mess with fans turning on unpopular owners and manager Grant McCann after an horrific second half of the season and it’s hard to see them pulling it around very quickly.
Wigan have been shafted by owner shenanigans and EFL incompetence, but if they don’t win their appeal today (July 31) they will face the loss of several key men.
Barnsley will replace Wigan in League One if the Latics win their appeal. The result of the appeal is expected next week.
Here is the current state of play as Posh’s League One rivals...
9.
FLEETWOOD TOWN: Fleetwood are determined their run into the League One play-offs last season won’t be a one-off with wealthy owner Andy Pilley on the record as intending to strengthen his squad. Fleetwood pay good wages for a club with such a small fanbase and in manager Joey Barton (pictured, right) they have one of the division’s top bosses. “We’ll be back bigger and stronger,” Barton said. “Our footballing style of play will take us a lot further in the game than other styles.” Verdict: Challengers again. Photo: Mike Egerton PA
10.
GILLINGHAM: In typical Steve Evans fashion the Gills boss has already declared he needs eight new players for next season, but whether or not financial pressures allow that to happen is doubtful. Evans enjoyed a strong first season at Priestfield and will be keen to kick on, something that will only happen if they strengthen their attack. They’ve lost their captain (Max Ehmer) to Bristol Rovers, but in Jack Tucker they have one of the top young defenders in the division. Verdict: Harder going.
11.
HULL CITY: Former Posh playing hero and short-term manager Grant McCann (pictured) is determined to stay with the Tigers despite a catastrophic season which saw the rug pulled from under his feet by unpopular owners. Hull finished bottom of the Championship after their dramatic 2020 collapse of six points from 20 matches. “I can’t make the fans believe in me,” McCann said. “But I’m going to recruit characters, who want to win, fight and run to get out of League One.” Verdict: They’ll struggle. Photo: Martin Rickett PA wire.
12.
IPSWICH TOWN: The Tractor Boys were stunned by their failure to deal with League One after a strong start to last season and were tumbling down the table when play came to a halt. Manager Paul Lambert’s (pictured, right) reputation took a big hit, but he remains in post and if his club can weather the pandemic problems they must surely do better next time. “We will all learn from last season, including me,”Lambert said. “I’m more determined then ever to get it right.” Striker Kayden Jackson's rejection of a new contract at Portman Road is not good news. Verdict: Top six.