Ferguson has lead Posh to consecutive promotions

Darren Ferguson believes his Peterborough United side can still challenge for promotion from the Championship this season.

Posh have endured a slow start to the season with two points from five games.

Ferguson told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire: "Fans need to be patient and have a bit of trust in me and my players.

"I wanted to be closer to the play-offs, but if we can get within eight or 10 points of the top six by Christmas then we'll have a chance."

Despite a lack of points, Ferguson sees plenty of promise in Posh's start to life in the Championship.

He knows they need to start winning sooner rather than later, but is backing his squad to turn the corner.

Posh did make enquiries before the end of the transfer window last week, but were priced out of any potential moves.

"We've got to the level now where to get someone in to improve us, we're going to have to spend a lot of money," Ferguson said.

"I've been quoted astronomical wages for Championship players who aren't even playing."

Peterborough's rise up the leagues has been bankrolled by Irish property tycoon Darragh MacAnthony.

However Ferguson says they cannot compete financially with many of the clubs in the Championship.

606: DEBATE It wouldn't surprise me if one or two loan signings come in from Premiership sides, maybe even before the QPR game Poshinmanchester

"I've enquired about three or four players and spoken to their managers and have been quoted wages of £13,000 a week with appearance money on top," he said.

"It's not going to be possible, not with gates of 8,000 - and that's no disrespect to the fans, because they've been great."

Regardless of the club's financial position, Ferguson believes it would be unwise to break their wage structure.

"I don't think we should be bringing in one player on big wages, when everyone else got us to the Championship," he said.

"At the moment, I think we'll be going with what we've got. Our goalkeeper has been good, as were our centre-backs against Palace."

Meanwhile, Posh are seeking a tie-up with Irish side Bohemians with a view to securing young talent from the Republic.

Ferguson has been in Ireland for discussions and took in Bohemians 2-1 defeat by Bray Wanderers.

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