Peterborough United may be languishing at the bottom of the Championship, but Chairman Darragh MacAnthony has issued a 10-point list to remain positive.
Having suffered their 15th League defeat of the season you`d expect both fans and players to be lacking in confidence and expecting the worst for the remainder of the season. However, MacAnthony is remaining positive and has fully backed his manager, Darren Ferguson, as he tweeted after the latest thrashing at home to Blackpool: “Sacking the most successful manager in our recent history would be ridiculous. There is nobody more committed to getting it right and he will do it!”.
Some fans would argue though that if Posh were to be relegated again this season, Ferguson would also be one of the worst managers in Posh`s history having relegated the team on two occasions while also having relegated another team during the two Posh relegations!!
All is not lost though and there is still time to make a comeback and climb up the table and out of the relegation places?but we need to start soon. It is a massive ask of the players who have only won eight matches in 2012 and with matches coming up against promotion chasing sides Cardiff and Middlesbrough, things won`t be easy.
Ferguson has often insisted that the squad he has assembled this season is the best squad he`s ever had at Posh…something many fans would`ve agreed with at the start of the season. Unfortunately, with the recent off-field incidents, injuries and players being loaned out, that squad is down to its bare bones. So much so that we have only one fit senior forward and that player is on loan from League Two Dagenham and Redbridge!
On the positive side, Tommy Rowe did make his long awaited return from injury on Saturday when coming on as a substitute and he linked up well with youngster Joe Newell on the left. Danny Swanson also showed glimpses of what he is capable of but he probably needs a run in the starting line-up while Danny Kearns has been recalled from his loan spell and will be another vital cog in the Posh side.
With the expected return from fitness of on-loan forward Saido Berahino, many Posh fans will be crying out for him to be partnered up front with Dwight Gayle on Saturday.
If Posh can get all their players fit and keep them fit whilst bringing in a few more players in the January transfer window, Posh could make the great escape.
What we also need is the backing of the Peterborough public. Fan numbers have been plummeting this season and some may say it`s because of the form Posh are showing, others say it is the cost.
It is true Posh have put in some dire performances this season, but if we all want our club to be successful, we need to support it through thick and thin. Cost-wise, Posh are one of the cheapest teams in the Championship. Yes, there are others that are cheaper than Posh and some which offer special prices for certain matches, but overall, Posh are very competitively priced as are a lot of other sporting teams in Peterborough.
There is a downward trend in people going to watch professional sports in Peterborough so it`s not just Posh that are losing spectators. For example, the Peterborough Phantoms Ice Hockey team are struggling financially due to lack of numbers, but the entertainment factor they provide is massive?and adults only pay £13!
I`m not saying Posh should reduce their prices but we should all realise times are hard and people have to watch their own finances. If that means we end up being relegated because of the poor support which results in reduced income, then so be it. Everyone would prefer Posh to be financially stable rather than “doing a Portsmouth” or going out of business!
If we do get relegated, I`m sure Fergie and Darragh will do their utmost to get Posh back into the Championship but as we`ve already said, there is still plenty of time to escape the clutches of relegation.
In the words of MacAnthony: “I`ll finish with some positives (will help me feel better if anything)”.
The Darragh MacAnthony 10-point list of reasons to remain positive are:
1. We have had horrendous 20 league games so far, yet not down.
2. We are actually only 4 points from safety.
3. We have new striker who will be prolific for club for years to come.
4. Gayle & Berahino yet to play together, when they do, hell of a pest strike force who could score some goals together.
5. Injuries have robbed us of one of best attacking left backs in Championship in Tommy Rowe & if he stays fit, will only improve us.
6. The Boss (Michael Boswtick) is back from suspension next game plus our skipper (Gaby Zakuani) may finally force his way back in. Both could be colossal when on form
7. Myself & manager have great trust in what we are planning for future & it`s important to be together when things not going well.
8. Both West Brom lads are quality who have right mentality to help us fight this until end of season.
9. As bad as results have been, we are not a million miles away football wise & need that confidence/luck in front of goal. Its coming!
10. I have been here before when things have turned dark/gloomy & know what it takes to ensure club comes back from it.”
Are you feeling more positive about Posh now? Let us know what you think by leaving a comment below or tweet us @VitalPosh.
KEEP THE FAITH
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Photos courtesy of www.theposhpics.com
