Posh Comments Make New Curtain Call Unlikely
Darren Ferguson (nearest camera) on tour with Wolves in Austria in 1998.
‘Never say never’ is one of football’s frequently quoted maxims – but it is tempting to assume Darren Ferguson’s amazing affiliation with Peterborough is over at last.
In stark contrast to his father, who served as Manchester United manager across an unbroken span of 27 years, the former Wolves midfielder has moved into and then out of London Road office no fewer than four times.
Since he was first unveiled as a surprise appointment almost 20 years ago, the club have won four promotions and three Wembley cup finals under his control. That’s some CV!
Even while flirting with relegation from League One last season, Posh salvaged something special by beating hot favourites Birmingham and becoming the first club to retain the EFL (Vertu) Trophy.
The 53-year-old is the most successful manager in Posh history and was reportedly praised by owner Darragh MacAnthony on a podcast only a few days ago.
But the admiration didn’t prevent the businessman, whose track record for appointing managers (Ferguson apart) is chequered at best, sending him on his way with the strongest indication that a fifth crack in the job is unlikely.
As the installation of former Notts County and Swansea manager Luke Williams was announced in midweek, MacAnthony said: “This appointment isn’t about what league we are in or recent poor results but about creating an identity for our club for years to come.”
Williams is MacAnthony’s 13th managerial appointment since buying the club in 2006 and four of those have been Ferguson. Of the rest, only Grant McCann has achieved more than a year in charge.
Ferguson’s fall from favour is surprising given that the club lost in the League One play-offs in both 2023 and 2024.
They are currently bottom of League One, five points adrift of the relegation line, after losing at home to fellow strugglers Blackpool last Saturday and have won only 16 of their 59 League matches since the start of last season.
But a season and a quarter of failure when points have been at stake has clearly not dimmed MacAnthony’s ambitions.
He added: “Our club has an incredible academy, talented young players in the first-team squad and the goal is always the same; to play exciting, attacking football, develop our young talent, recruit and develop the gems others miss, compete with the ‘big boys’, win promotions, trophies and become financially sustainable and a well-run football club that our fans feel constant pride in supporting.” He isn’t asking for too much then!
Fergie pictured on the touchline three months ago.
Ferguson used the League Managers Association to make his farewell statement and said: “‘Thank you, Peterborough United, for the fantastic memories.
“Huge appreciation goes to the chairman, Darragh MacAnthony. We achieved a hell of a lot together, not all plain sailing but, in football, nothing ever is. I wish the club all the very best for the future and will always think of Peterborough United as my club.”
*Wolves Heroes’ David Instone was at the pre-season Colchester v Peterborough friendly, sat a few yards from Ferguson and took the picture on the left.