Portsmouth gain high-profile new supporter in shape of Peterborough owner Darragh MacAnthony ahead of Oxford United showdown

Peterborough owner Darragh MacAntnony has pledged his support for the Blues as they gear up for their two-legged showdown with the U’s next month.

And MacAnthony has even stated he plans to buy a Pompey shirt as he shows his backing for their bid to reach the Championship.

The Irishman has nailed his colours to the mast in the wake of his side being denied a place in the end-of-season shootout following last week’s vote on how to decide the campaign.

And he has spoke of his admiration for Pompey chief executive Mark Catlin, with the pair striking up a friendship in the wake of the season being suspended amid the coronavirus pandemic.

MacAnthony passionately campaigned for the remainder of the season to be played out on the pitch - a stance echoed by Pompey.

Both he and Catlin have been aligned in their beliefs League One should have been completed in the traditional fashion, following government advice and taking the route followed by the Championship and Premier League.

And the Peterborough chairman took to Twitter last night to underline his backing for Pompey.

When asked is Pompey voted to continue the season, MacAnthony replied: ‘100%. Mark C the MD is a friend of mine. Love him to bits. I’m buying a Pompey top for the play offs.’

While Pompey stayed consistent with their views and voted for the season to continue on the pitch, Peterborough eventually changed their position when it became clear there was not support for that stance across League One.

They then supported Tranmere’s proposal of a points per game model with a margin for error being applied to the League One table, with an extended play-offs.

In the final reckoning, clubs chose to decide positions on unweighted points per game with a traditional play-off format - meaning his side’s will remain in the third tier next season.

Pompey and Peterborough were both part of a six-strong League One collective who last month stated their determination to complete the remaining fixtures. Oxford, Sunderland, Fleetwood and Ipswich were the other clubs.