It would be easy for Darragh MacAnthony to continue to hold a grudge against Nottingham Forest. But, the Peterborough United owner has jumped to the club’s defence over their transfer business and the decision to stick with Steve Cooper.
Forest have a history with Peterborough down the years. First, there was the infamous failed eye test when Fawaz Al-Hasawi was trying to sign George Boyd. Some years later, the Kuwaiti businessman riled MacAnthony further when he missed several payments relating to Britt Assombalonga.
Still, MacAnthony is a renowned owner in the EFL and clearly, he doesn’t have an axe to grind with the club anymore. In fact, he’s defended the club and has actually claimed he’s getting sick of the ridicule the club keeps getting for strengthening the squad.
Speaking on his latest podcast, The Hard Truth, MacAnthony had praise for Forest, saying: “Look at Forest, they are flying now. The Forest hierarchy have had a lot of criticism but they’ve stood by their manager.
“Yes, they’ve signed a lot of players. I’m sick of reading people joking about it. They’re a Premier League club, they knew they needed major construction. Steve Cooper has done an absolutely magnificent job.
“Fair play to the ownership, fair play to him and fair play to Forest, they’re tough to beat at home. That’s what you have to do to sustain it in the Premier League, winning at home, clean sheets at home.”
MacAnthony clearly doesn’t hold Forest grudge anymore
The Posh owner is a great character. He’s done wonders for Peterborough United and they’re in contention for a return to the Championship this season.
When it comes to signing players from the lower leagues and selling them for millions, Peterborough are definitely the benchmark.
Forest do deserve some credit for their current form. Ultimately, the job isn’t done yet, however, and Cooper will want to ensure that the team can secure another season in the top flight.
Cooper’s stock continues to rise. He’s never settled for average during his time at the City Ground though and that won’t be about to start now.
It’s nice to MacAnthony praise the work being done and he will hope Darren Ferguson can become his own version of Cooper and lead the Posh to glory this season.