Beckham was known as 'Posh' during her time with the Spice Girls and Peterborough have today confirmed that the performer wants the name all to herself.

The London Road club have been told that the name 'Posh' is synonymous with her around the world in relation to her music. Even though Beckham has not trademarked the name, she is determined to make it hers.

Peterborough are not going to let the wife of the England skipper walk way with the name without a fight. They have been known as 'Posh' since 1934, while Posh Spice has only been around since 1996.

Geoff Davey, the Second Division club's chief executive, said he was 'absolutely stunned' by the move to contest the attempt to trademark their nicknames, 'Posh' and 'The Posh'.

He warned that the club faced serious financial implications if they were prevented from using the 'Posh' name on merchandising.

Davey said: 'I was absolutely stunned when I got the letter yesterday. One reason was that our claim to the use of the name 'Posh' should be challenged. The second reason was that someone as big as Victoria Beckham would want to raise this particular challenge.

'I know that the website in the last few hours has gone bonkers. There have been a number of hits from football fans, not just Peterborough but nationwide, coming out in support of Peterborough United's case.

'The name is part of the club's history and tradition. They are trying to stop Peterborough United using the name, 'Posh' or 'The Posh'.

'I think there would be financial implications in the long term because clearly we use the words on our range of leisurewear and on souvenirs and posters. There is a whole wedge of commercial activities. There could be very serious ramifications.'

According to the UK Trademark Registry website, Peterborough chairman Peter Boizot filed an application to trademark the club nicknames in August, 1998. The website further confirms that an opposition to the application was lodged in September this year.