We take a look at the favourites to become new Peterborough manager as Darragh MacAnthony sacks Darren Ferguson.
It comes following after a 2-1 defeat to Blackpool which left the Posh sitting bottom of League One with only three wins in 13 games, five points from safety.
It was his fourth spell as Peterborough boss since January 2023, the 53-year-old son of Sir Alex Ferguson won 73 of 161 matches, secured four promotions and two EFL Trophy titles, but failed to achieve Championship promotion despite play-off near-misses.
Chairman Darragh MacAnthony called the decision difficult but necessary, but praised ‘legend’ Ferguson as the club’s greatest manager and a family member, while vowing to heal and move forward after a challenging season marked by early losses and key player departures.
Chairman Darragh MacAnthony has issued the following statement following today’s defeat to Blackpool.#pufc
— Peterborough United (@theposh) October 25, 2025
Chairman Darragh MacAnthony has issued the following statement.
“I have made the decision to terminate Darren Ferguson’s 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!”
FAVOURITES TO BECOME NEW PETERBOROUGH MANAGER:
(per The Punters Page)
Luke Williams – 2/1
Leam Richardson – 3/1
Kieran Scarff – 9/2
Grant McCann – 6/1
Steve Evans – 10/1
Michael Appleton – 12/1
Mark Bonner – 16/1
Tony Mowbray – 20/1
Paul Cook – 25/1
Gareth Ainsworth – 33/1
Lee Johnson – 40/1
Matty Etherington – 100/1
“We were very good in parts,” Ferguson said, per Peterborough Today.
“Obviously three wins in 13 games is nowhere near good enough, but I can’t be critical of the players. The things we worked on, the energy, the tempo and the aggressive pressing off the ball were all there. Obviously there are other things we need to work on, but I saw a team having a real go.
“If we deliver that sort of performance, with the shots on goal, the entries into the final third and the general domination, we will win plenty of games, but we can’t now feel sorry for ourselves. We have to pull together and stay together. I will support them in that.
“I don’t need a response”
Darren Ferguson’s final interview as Peterborough manager (fourth time around) 👇 👇
#pufc | #BBCEFL pic.twitter.com/th9UGOcEML
— BBC Cambs Sport (@BBCCambsSport) October 26, 2025
He continued to say: “One thing I’ve noticed in the games we have lost when we should have won is the lack of ruthlessness in front of goal. We lost this game to a moment of quality, although it was also a pretty basic defensive error by allowing a left footed player to come inside on his favoured foot. It was a good finish though and we need something like that. It’s one reason why we are in our position.
“Much of what we did was very good. We were too predictable in the way we attacked at Burton last week so we played through the lines more and we did it well. Kyrell Lisbie was a threat and JJ Morgan was outstanding in a different position.
“The stats suggested we should have won and they will have gone home knowing they were lucky, but stats don’t get you points or wins and in our position we have to take advantage of games like this. We had them by the scruff of the neck. The response to falling behind in the first-half was very good and we didn’t want half-time to come, but for the domination we enjoyed we didn’t create enough clear-cut chances.”
Twitter users reacted on the favourites to become new Peterborough manager as Darragh MacAnthony sacks Darren Ferguson…
@CraigIsted: Need to get this managerial appointment spot on, and this does NOT include Steve Evans. No thank you #Pufc
@Liampufc1996: Damien Duff, title winner in Ireland as a manager, good pedigree in the English game. Worked in the Irish international set up as well, and for Fifa. Plus he’s unemployed meaning no fee to go get him.
@ShiellB1: Luke Williams would be my first choice. Neil Critchley, maybe? We are, of course, assuming these managers will be happy to work with a chairman who struggles with the boundaries of his own job description and loves the limelight.
@OffTheLineBlog: Ferguson departs #PUFC. Without a doubt, DF is the best manager in their history. It didn’t work out on this occasion. He just couldn’t get a tune out of this group. Brave call by DMac, but you feel – looking in – it is a good one. A new voice is needed.
@NickyHanshaw: Darragh MacAnthony announces that he has sacked Darren Ferguson as manager of Peterborough, in doing so he would like to announce Darren Ferguson as new Peterborough manager.
@Malcolm18668825: I’m fully expecting a curveball appointment from DMac…
@Matt_Evetts: Potentially an ambitious one but, if he’s well, I’d quite like us to try and get Tony Mowbray #pufc
@steffandancy: #pufc Simon Rusk could be a wild card. Managed u21 at Southampton and went on to do well managing prem games. Knows club well, played through youth system at posh etc many years ago. Top lad too.
@NJG_UTP: Luke Williams
@kelansarson: Obviously, everyone could see that Fergie’s time was up, but that’s doesn’t make his exit any easier to process. He will always be seen as our most successful manager, no matter what. Now, it’s time for something fresh. Would go for someone like Williams or Brennan #pufc
@PUFCmemes:
Luke Williams HAS to be up there in terms of targets to replace Fergie!
– Prefers a 5 back system
– Quick transitional style while dominating possession and building from the back
– Experience in both academy and EFL management
– Currently unattached
No brainer, surely?
#pufc
@TRPhotos_Dan: Ferguson x4 , Cooper, Gannon, Johnson, Robertson, Mcann x4, Westley, Evan’s and yet it’s always the managers fault…. WHOLESALE CHANGES NEEDED! #pufc
@_sophieox: Russell Martin
@ThanstonCrabb: Matt Bloomfield, Damien Duff, Michael Beale, Steve Holland are options. Would be happy with Luke Williams
@TimBuch18382724: In other news. Darren Ferguson set to be appointed Peterborough United manger for record fifth time in 12 months after terrible start to League 2 campaign.
@CallumHeap2: Needed to happen. Hopefully enough time for things to turn around. If it weren’t for the cup success last season it probably would’ve happened sooner as league performance last season was the writing on the wall for this season especially losing key players
@_benpurvis_: The right decision as we’ve gone stale, but nonetheless the best we’ve had. Thank you Fergie for everything and all the best💙
@TommyJRoberts: Darren, our GOAT, thank you for the happiest days of my life supporting the Posh. You’ve given me days to remember that I’ll never forget. Our future DOB – No better man who knows our club inside out, would be perfect for the job. Simply, Thank you 💙
