Peterborough United chairman Darragh MacAnthony has moved to ease supporter worries over defensive injuries while tipping newly promoted Coventry City for a top-14 Premier League finish.
Speaking on July 23, 2026, MacAnthony addressed concerns after central defenders Sam Hughes, Tom O’Connor, and George Nevett missed a pre-season friendly against Colchester United.
Hughes has not played competitively since April 2025 due to calf problems, while O’Connor has been out since January 2026 with a hamstring injury.
On social media platform X, MacAnthony provided updates on the trio's recovery.
“One is out with a wrist injury for two weeks,” he said.
“Other two are doing their own pre-season to ensure we get a lot of games from them this season.
And I’m told, as of last night, both should be available for first League One game of the season, if not the League Cup game.”
Despite the defensive setbacks, MacAnthony confirmed plans to strengthen other areas, including signing a midfielder and a winger.
Peterborough begin their campaign with a Carabao Cup tie at Bristol Rovers on August 8, followed by a League One opener at Bradford City on August 15.
MacAnthony Backs Coventry for Premier League Survival
Speaking on talkSPORT, MacAnthony analyzed the survival chances of promoted sides and singled out Coventry City under Frank Lampard.
“I think Coventry will be the one,” he said, citing owner Doug King’s financial backing.
“No, because of their owner (Doug King) who I think is going to give Lampard the tools. I think they have already spent £40-£50 million.
Think they’ll sign some big players; they’ll do a Sunderland.”
MacAnthony emphasized that newly promoted teams need significant investment to stay up, using Sunderland and Nottingham Forest as examples.
“I think any of those new sides going up can look at Sunderland and Forest as the template because if you really want to have a go at staying in the Premier League, you’re going to have to spend £100m on the right players,” he said.
“Forest did it a few years ago, still in the Premier League. Sunderland did it last year, top ten!
That’s what you have got to do. So I think Coventry are probably the club that are going to do that.”
He expressed doubts about Ipswich Town and Hull City matching that spending level.
“Ipswich have always spent money but I don’t know if they will go to that level, and I don’t know enough about the Hull owner (Acun Ilicali),” MacAnthony said.
When told Hull planned up to 12 new signings, he acknowledged the ambition but remained cautious.
“Fair play, he’s ambitious and good luck to him. Look, you want the clubs to do well, particularly having been part of the EFL.
You want them to stay there but as we know, statistically and historically, the odds are that two, if not all three come back down.
But if I were a betting man, I think Coventry are going to be top 14.”
MacAnthony also noted potential issues for Leeds United, relying on Dominic Calvert-Lewin for goals, and questioned Sunderland’s ability to avoid second-season syndrome.
“I’m wondering about Sunderland and a second season syndrome.
But obviously they need to keep Granit Xhaka and the manager as well, because he’s obviously a top class manager.
How long do they keep him?”
