Peterborough United chairman Darragh MacAnthony revealed he’s ready to walk away from football if the current season is not completed, but later also reaffirmed his commitment to the League One side.
Speaking on his own Hard Truth podcast, he claimed that he would need to take a hiatus from the game should the EFL opt not to finish the current season, suspended because of the pandemic. Posh are hunting a place in the Championship, but points per game model could see them miss out, as could simply drawing a line under this season and accepting current placings. MacAnthony has said he’s ready to go if that ends up being the case.
“If the season is voided or prolonged for an unreasonable amount of time I will ask my partners to buy me out,” he said.
“I’d need a break mentally. I’d take a two-year hiatus at least to see if I can fall back in love with the game.
“I’ve put my life into football for 15 years. I’m not in this for money. I’ve never made any money from football and I never will. I’m in the game because I’m passionate about it and I love it.
“If it’s taken away from me and from the thousands of fans who love the game then I’m done. I couldn’t live with that or abide by it.”
MacAnthony took over as Posh chairman in 2006 aged 30, making him the youngest chairman in the Football League. He has since delivered two spells of Championship football to Posh, with a third looking likely after strong performances this season.
He threatened to quit earlier in the season if Posh didn’t make the play offs, something that did look likely before football was suspended. However, when a local journalist later blew up the ‘threaten to quit’ quote, MacAnthony replied claiming there was ‘no quit in the old dog’ and that he was venting ‘venting aloud’.
That drew Peterborough fans to Twitter to express their gratitude to the businessman, who has overseen a real change in their status as an ailing lower-league side.
Phew! Sits back and relaxes.
Blood pressure dropping down to normal. ?— Max Casper (@MaxCasper101) May 1, 2020
If it makes any difference to you, you are not a lone wolf in this, we’re all behind you as fans. For everything you have put into our club we are grateful. We can see your heart and sole is in the right place. I can only empathize with your frustration ? #pufc
— Garry Colbert (@gazzarino) May 1, 2020
Fake news ??
— David porter (@southwestposh) May 1, 2020
DMac can’t quit Posh its now in his DNA . This is just a big diversion in the journey and we will soon be back on track
— Mr Mega Dump (@ChestneyS) May 2, 2020
Don't blame him ,he is right millions will have to return to work why should football be different they will should find a way .
— Ricky (@razorblue) May 1, 2020
We’d be lost without you Mr.Chairman ?
— Sam Pell (@PellSam) May 2, 2020
Great podcast 7, I’m with you on football needs to return, as a society, we need it!
My club Bradford yesterday suspended S/T sales as they can’t see crowds returning until 2021.
Unfortunately, I can’t see Lg’s 1 & 2 finishing. If so, how would you decide promotion or relegation?— Jonathan Holmes (@jonathanandgill) May 2, 2020
Great listen as always,Positive & full of hope (fuck living in fear)
Don't give up your not on your OWN & so many people including myself on here believe in your opinions on life & YOU
To anyone else "If you don't think forward you'll never live"
Keep up the good work Sir ? #UTP— David Donaldson (@CrazyDavage) May 1, 2020
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