On a warm Saturday afternoon during the first week of May 2013, I, along with the thousands of other Posh fans who had made the journey to South London for the final match of the season were happily contemplating another season in the Championship safe in the knowledge that Posh were leading Palace 2 -1 and the only other result that mattered, Huddersfield v Barnsley, was all-square at 2 -2. Surely nothing could go wrong? Regrettably it could and it did with Posh conceding 2 late goals and, once the news had filtered up to Yorkshire, the Terriers and Tykes settled for a draw which would keep both of them safe. Some voiced the opinion that their tactics were unfair and the Football League should take sanctions against the clubs involved - it might not have been 'fair' for Posh but it was not illegal and I do not blame either set of players, I do not think Posh would have done any differently if the roles had been reversed. With the departure of George Boyd and now Dwight Gayle, along with Mark Little and possibly Tommy Rowe, Gaby Zakuani amongst others, all influential players, it felt as though the heart was being ripped out of the Posh team. The Chairman's bold pronouncement that he wanted to get back to the Championship at the first time of asking, not just promotion but as Champions, was it a statement of intent from someone who knew the Posh players very well or a glib sound bite? The attempted signing of Jack Payne, Darren Ferguson's avowed number one target, seemed as though it might not happen and doubts about Posh's forthcoming promotion campaign began to creep into my mind as it appeared we were struggling to attract quality players because of the relegation. However Jack did sign and, add to that, the good news that Grant McCann has signed a new 2 year deal as player/coach, things have begun to look up. All the hard work behind the scenes, building better training facilities and concentrating on Youth recruitment and development, seems to bearing fruit with the likes of Joe Newell, Janaai Gordon, Kgosi Ntlhe, Michael Richens, Jermaine Anderson, Charlie Coulson and James Sage all progressing through to the Senior squad. I am beginning to wonder if our Relegation might not have been a blessing in disguise. these youngsters would have been no more than bit-part players or bench warmers in the Championship, dropping down a level they must surely get much more game time. I watched games involving most of these players at youth and reserve level and I have been impressed by their performances. It is a big step-up though to senior football and Posh will have to be careful in choosing when to play some of the more light-weight youngsters. I have seen, all too often, a promising career blighted or ended by injury due to brutal, thuggish challenges from some of the less-gifted neanderthals that inhabit teams in the lower Leagues. Can we win the League, yes I think we can, but we need to 'hit the ground running' once the competitive matches begin, if we start as we did last season or have the attitude 'we are Championship players' expecting just to turn up to win, then we will be in for a big shock. The fact that Grant McCann turned down offers, paying higher wages, from 3 Championship clubs, because he loves it at Posh, shows that we are doing a lot right. I feel we are close to attaining 'Championship club' status, what is holding us back is the poor ground, with the on-going saga with the Council rumbling on interminably and the low attendance figures. You only have to look at clubs such as Brighton and Rotherham to see the benefits for the club in having a new stadium. I look forward to May 3rd 2014 at London Road to see Posh being crowned League One Champions! (I am under no illusions though and it will not be easy, there are 23 other Clubs, some very good, some good and others who will perhaps enjoy a greater slice of good fortune and will provide a surprise, all with the same ultimate ambition as Posh).
I'm very tempted to buy a season ticket when I get home .... will have to see what damage this holiday does to the bank balance first Should be an exciting season
Watched the highlights of Posh v Shelbourne, great free-kick by Tomlin, clearly McCann has been coaching him. U18's drew 1-1 with UCD earlier today, Seniors currently losing 1 - 0
Minxy - University College Dublin, an Irish League team. Maestro - Our Chairman stated that relegation cost us £5 million in lost TV revenue, Premiership solidarity and other payments, it will also cost us around 2,000 average on the Home gate which equates to close on £1 million over the season, so it is safe to assume that Promotion will earn us the same if not more.
Financially, very stable, the only debt is to the Chairman and that is not large by modern standards, repayable if and when the Chairman leaves the Club - Our biggest problem is that we no longer own the ground or stadium.
