Top six favourites to become new Peterborough boss after manager chooses to resign

The top six favourites to become new Peterborough United boss has been revealed after manager Darren Ferguson chooses to resign.

Ferguson, 50, exits with the club second-from-bottom in the Championship table after a 1-0 loss at fellow strugglers Derby County on Saturday.

In his three spells as manager, he guided the Posh to four promotions including from League One last season.

Peterborough United can confirm that the co-owners have accepted the resignation of manager Darren Ferguson following a phone call made by Darren to Darragh MacAnthony on Sunday.#pufc

— Peterborough United (@theposh) February 20, 2022

PETERBOROUGH STATEMENT:

Peterborough United can confirm that the co-owners have accepted the resignation of manager Darren Ferguson following a phone call made by Darren to Darragh MacAnthony on Sunday.

Ferguson steered Posh to automatic promotion from Sky Bet League One last term and has four promotions on his CV during his time at the Weston Homes Stadium.

Co-owner Darragh MacAnthony said: “Myself and my two partners regard Darren as one of the greatest managers of this football club, most certainly in the modern era. The success we have enjoyed with him at the helm has been unrivalled and he will always be described as a legend by myself and my partners.

“I want to personally thank him for all his hard work on behalf of the club, particularly in his third spell when he dealt with the unquestionable frustration at the season being cut-short due to Covid-19 and then responding by securing promotion the following season against all the odds.

“The financial constraints he had to work under due to the impact of no supporters inside the stadium was something that nobody could have foreseen, and he dealt with that in such an admirable and methodical way. He created a working environment that the players enjoyed despite the restrictions and he deserves enormous credit for that and the success we enjoyed.”

We all wish the Gaffer and his wonderful family nothing but the best for the future.

The football club will be making no further comment at this stage.

DARREN FERGUSON’S STATEMENT:

“It is after serious consideration, that I have made the decision to resign as manager of Peterborough United.

“After working tirelessly and winning promotion to the Championship, I genuinely hope that the club can find a way to remain there.

“Thank you to the players and staff, who were committed to the task in hand. Particularly Liz, Kieran, Barry and Bob.

“I would also like to express my respect for Darragh MacAnthony who has shown endless support and commitment to Peterborough United throughout the years. I’m sure the fans will continue to get behind him and the new management no matter what the position of the club is.

“Wishing them good luck for the future.”

So who are the current favourites to takeover? Take a look at what bookmakers Sky Bet are saying, it’s certainly caused a debate online…

SKY BET (9pm Sunday 20 Feb)
Grant McCann: 1/2
Lee Johnson: 12/1
Steve Evans: 12/1
Neil Warnock: 14/1
Neil Lennon: 14/1

SKY BET (9am Monday 21 Feb)
Grant McCann – 4/7
Lee Johnson – 8/1
Mark Bonner – 12/1
Neil Warnock – 14/1
Steve Evans – 16/1

Twitter users reacted as the top six favourites to become new Peterborough boss was revealed after manager Darren Ferguson chooses to resign…

@jfgpufc: thanks for last season, club legend but it was the right thing to do, all the best legend!

@stivesposh: 4 promotions and a domestic cup. Thank you for the good times Fergie. Gutted to say the least that it didn’t work out for him this season. Big balls needed now from the owners as we need to stay in this league or employ somebody to get us back up at the 1st attempt!! #pufc

@JacobSouthKlein: Hi, lads – fancy taking Paul Ince off our hands? Brand new in box, we’ve even kept the receipt.

@Kyle_Irving18: Grateful for all Fergie has done for the club but it had to happen I’m afraid. 1 win in 17

@Duncan12873300: This has come as a bit of a shock!! Should he have stayed or was this the correct decision only time will tell.I watched Posh back in the early 90’s and the way you were then is a whole lot of difference to now. All the best for the rest of the season

@GarySma32095167: Jack Ross in

@LiamPitch: Good luck in your next venture Darren. See you again in 18 months

@dharvey4: Grant McCann would be the sensible choice, didn’t do much wrong @ Hull.

@Devonport_Jack: Shame, a great League One manager but just can’t do it in the Championship. Hopefully the fans still respect him for everything he’s done

@BenjaminLipman: Has Lee Johnson written all over it…

@JD_pufc: Honestly a little sad, love the man. He lost the changing room though and has walked for the right reasons. After all he’s done for the club will need a statue in the future

@PaulHow19538679: Would like to place on record my eternal thanks for all DF has done in his times with PUFC. Been tough for all concerned this season for many reasons, but, although I’m not saying we are down yet with so many points still to play for, next season prep starts here. UTP

@CraigIsted: I have respect for him leaving on his own terms. Easily could have stayed knowing he had a 3 year contract and was never getting sacked

@EspieJaz: Grateful for all Fergie has done, just didn’t click for him and the team this season. Might I suggest we bring back Grant McCann for the remainder of the season? I think he could do a good job and might be able to keep us up and if not he can build for league 1 next season.

@OfficialShaunyB: Arguably one of posh’s best managers and let’s be honest he’s love for the club and fans is why he’s made this decision. It was time to go unfortunately. All the best for your future DF

@JamesFJoyce: Blimey. Inevitable I guess, but I’ll think we’ll find in 12 months time he was the right man for the job after all. Club foundations are solid even if the results aren’t great. Can’t see anyone else doing a better job. Thanks gaffer. Proper legend 👏👏 #pufc #fergie #theposh

@PositionCelph: Mixed feelings. Fergie has been superb for Peterborough Utd and often expected to perform miracles with minimal tools (Champ seasons). We’ve never fair too well without but that shouldn’t be an excuse for not trying something different. All else fails he’ll be back in 18 months.

@nails90: This whole sorry saga culminating in the resignation of a decent man and Posh’s most successful manager lays squarely at the door of the Chairman. How can we compete in the championship with a tiny budget and L1 players. Darren obviously could no longer defend the indefensible.

@poshnorris: Classy from Fergie – didn’t have to go but wants to do the right thing. He has brought the best years of my football supporting life and I’ll always be grateful. I wish him nothing but the best – club legend forever. #pufc #ferguson @DMAC102 @PTAlanSwann