Portsmouth rivals Peterborough reveal way League One clubs will vote at crucial EFL meeting

Peterborough have conceded defeat in their bid to gain promotion this season.
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Pompey’s rivals have contacted third tier clubs and canvassed views on how they are likely to vote at next Tuesday’s key EFL meeting.

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Peterborough director of football, Barry Fry, explained they were hopeful Tranmere’s proposal of a points per game model with a margin of error would gain impetus - an outcome which factors in an extended play-off competition.

But Fry explained they now feel that’s unlikely to be the case.

He told the Peterborough Telegraph: We did get excited because the Tranmere proposal seemed very fair to a lot of clubs chasing promotion and trying to avoid relegation. It also didn’t affect those clubs who want to shut up shop.

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‘But myself and (chief executive) Bob (Symns) have rang round the clubs and the support isn’t there. There are 16/17 clubs who say they won’t vote for it.

Peterborough owner Darragh MacAnthony, left, with Barry FryPeterborough owner Darragh MacAnthony, left, with Barry Fry
Peterborough owner Darragh MacAnthony, left, with Barry Fry

‘There’s no incentive for the teams set to contest a four-team rather than an eight-team play-off and the teams at the bottom are not interested either.

‘Tranmere’s proposal includes a 25-team League One next season which means solidarity money would be reduced as it would split 25 ways instead of 24 and clubs reckon they can’t afford that. Clubs are also claiming they would have to pay £90K to help fund the rest of the season and they don’t want to do that.

‘It’s a big shame, but at least we had a go. Indeed the passion and commitment our chairman has shown throughout this time has been second to none. I feel for him, his co-owners, the manager and players, and the fans. This whole process has been allowed to drag on too long.

‘I’m not sure all the clubs have studied the detail in the proposal. They will all still act in their own interests.’

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