Cod Almighty | Article

by Paul Thundercliffe

6 August 2007

Last season
Peterborough started last season under the cloud of the Big Ron Managerdebacle, with an aghast general public pleased it wasn't their club in the 'spotlight' (seriously, could you imagine if they had done it at Town? Jesus, that would have killed the club), but obviously Big Keef used it motivationally as they started well. In September the club announced the "biggest signing in the club's history": new chairman Darragh MacAnthony, owner of an overseas property firm. He had apparently seen the documentary – where the manager resigned half an hour before a game in front of the players – and enjoyed it so much he ploughed his hard-earned wedge into the club.

Indeed, thanks to Big Keef generously losing six in a row over Christmas (sound familiar?), the new owner was able to sack him and employ Darren Ferguson as well as paying over half a million pounds for the likes of George Boyd and Micah Hyde, quickly making the Posh, well, er, posh.

Fergie II soon got into the swig – sorry – swing of things, and a final run of two defeats in the final 13 games pushed them just outside the play-offs and they finished tenth.

Ins and outs
There has been quite a rebuilding programme going on at the club during the summer, although the 135 luxury flats at the away end are waiting for planning permission. Out goes everyone's favourite beanpole mercenary Ben Futcher, as well as Shaun Huke, Richard Butcher and Justin Richards. In come Dean Keates, Chris Westwood (both Walsall), Chris Welpdale from Billericay, the highly fancied Charlie Lee from Spurs, Claude Gnapka from Swindon, and a couple more non-Leaguers.

Their expectations
The fans are obviously expecting much, and with Peterborough installed as early favourites then you can see why. With a millionaire for an owner and a twat for a chief executive they are the Chelsea of the fourth division, with those who share the league table with them hoping they fail. The board will not settle for anything less than a top three finish.

Our expectations
Peterborough always seem to come to BP and win by the odd goal without ever playing that well; they just seem to out-muscle us. With the likes of Branston and Low they will still have the brawn, but they will have some craft with George Boyd and Gavin Strachan in the midfield and Craig Mackail-Smith back from injury. This sweet mixture should see the Posh riding high all season – unless Big Ron gets involved again. Second, I reckon.