Peterborough United chairman Darragh MacAnthony has welcomed scepticism around his side’s promotion chances, insisting the club remains firmly focused on a top-six finish.
Despite a poor showing last season and lukewarm betting odds, MacAnthony believes Posh are well placed to defy expectations.
MacAnthony Shrugs Off Critics Ahead of New Season
Peterborough are currently 14th favourites for promotion in League One betting odds, and some supporters have voiced concern after a mixed set of pre-season displays. However, speaking on his Hard Truth podcast, MacAnthony said he is more than happy to see his team written off before a ball has been kicked.
“We have been written off by some already and I’m happy with that,” he said. “There will be ups and downs, but I am sure there will be more ups than downs.”
The 2025/26 campaign comes off the back of the club’s worst League One finish under MacAnthony’s tenure, with Posh ending last season in 18th place. Despite that disappointment, the chairman reiterated the club’s annual ambition remains unchanged.
“Every year we are in League One we aim for promotion and this year is no different. There are big clubs knocking around as always, but we are not here to sit tight and wait for a better season. That’s never been our way.”
MacAnthony also brushed off concerns about pre-season performances, pointing to a 2–1 win over MK Dons as evidence of the squad’s fight and character. He referenced comments from director of football Barry Fry, reminding fans that results in July often mean little once the league campaign begins.
Recruitment and Rivals in the Spotlight
The chairman revealed that Peterborough are among League One’s biggest spenders across the past three windows, with more arrivals still expected. He expressed satisfaction with recruitment so far, despite some setbacks, and noted that most of the club’s primary targets had been secured.
Among the teams he expects to be pushing for promotion are Huddersfield Town, Cardiff City, Plymouth Argyle and Wycombe Wanderers. MacAnthony also praised Leyton Orient’s boss Richie Wellens and acknowledged the usual contenders such as Barnsley and Bolton.
Peterborough’s league campaign begins amid some injury concerns, with new goalkeeper Alex Bass facing an anxious wait on a potential setback. The squad were held to a 2–2 draw by Colchester United and lost 3–2 to Grimsby Town over the weekend.
Writer’s View
MacAnthony’s defiant tone is nothing new, but his confidence might strike a different chord this season. Posh are in a rebuild phase and no longer enter the League One campaign as automatic favourites. Still, the chairman makes a fair point: their best promotions have often come when they have flown under the radar.
If key players settle quickly and Bass’s injury is not long term, Peterborough could surprise a few. But if the same defensive fragility from last season returns, the criticism may come louder and earlier than MacAnthony expects.
