League One strugglers Peterborough United have announced the decision to sack club legend Darren Ferguson after a disastrous start to the season.
The Posh sit bottom of the table after today’s humiliating defeat to Ian Evatt’s Blackpool courtesy of a late Scott Banks winner. The son of former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has been in charge of the club on four separate occasions totalling over 650 games.
He has achieved a huge amount of success whilst at the club, including three Football League Trophies as well as several promotions.
However, after nine defeats in their opening 13 league games, the club have opted to make a change.
What have Peterborough United Said?
In a statement on the club’s official website Chairman Darragh MacAnthony stated:
“I have made the decision to terminate Darren Fergusons contract after today’s game. The decision wasn’t taken lightly but it’s a decision I feel is the correct one for the football club.
“The Gaffer is for me the greatest manager in the club’s history who I will always consider to be part of my family and the club’s family. There are too many wonderful moments to mention here but those many historical celebrated moments I will cherish and remember forever.
“Yes, we have had down moments, and it hasn’t always gone to plan but he has managed this football club like it’s his own. I am devastated he is no longer our manager and will miss the everyday chats we have regarding life and football. I wish him and his phenomenally supportive family nothing but love and respect and the best for the future.
“This season has been challenging on all fronts for our great football club. It’s time to go again, freshen up and enter a new period of growth in all aspects on and off the pitch. Thank you to the brilliant supporters who continue to stick with us through good and bad. Today is another tough day but from Monday onwards we start healing and moving forward. Goodbye Legend and Thank You!”
Who Next for Peterborough United?
I’m sure many fans are already typing out the joke stating that Doncaster Rovers’ Grant McCann is next in line. He and Ferguson have traded places on more than one occasion. However, with his Doncaster side doing well in League One a move is unlikely. At this early stage there are no clear favourites but the priority will likely be a manager who can not only pull the club out of the issues, but also continue the club’s incredible youth development program.