'Go big or go home' - Sunderland's promotion rivals set demanding target as Wigan Athletic boss quits

Posh co-owner Darragh MacAnthony has piled the pressure on manager Darren Ferguson before a ball has even been kicked.

Peterborough missed out on the League One play-offs last season when the final table was decided on a points-per-game basis after the season was curtailed.

That led MacAnthony to dub the upcoming season ‘The Vengeance Tour’ – and he has backed that up with a demanding challenge to his manager and squad.

Speaking on his ‘Hard Truth’ podcast, MacAnthony said: “My expectations have doubled for next season.

“I want the title and the Football League Trophy.

“We don’t set out to fail. We don’t set out to finish mid-table. We play to win. Go big or go home.

“Do I put pressure on the people around me? Yes I do and I don’t regret it.”

Meanwhile, Paul Cook has announced his resignation from Wigan Athletic.

Wigan were relegated to League One after 12 points were deducted for going into administration, though that is subject to an appeal.

As things stand though Wigan will be playing in the third tier next season and they are looking for a new manager as well as new owners.

In a statement, Cook said: ‘It is with a heavy heart that I have decided to leave Wigan Athletic.

‘I would like to thank David Sharpe, the Whelan family and Jonathan Jackson for giving me the opportunity to manage such a great club three years ago.

‘I have been immensely proud to have continued my long affiliation with Wigan Athletic over the past three years, and I have worked hard to represent the club to the best of my ability, to develop individuals and also create a team and a work ethic which the town can be proud of.

‘I have enjoyed some amazing moments with you during that time that will live long in the memory."