Darren Ferguson's sacking is confirmed by Peterborough despite Barry Fry claiming his achievements have been 'miraculous'

By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
Last updated at 6:06 PM on 10th November 2009

Darren Ferguson

Shock sacking: Darren Ferguson

Darren Ferguson's dismissal at Peterborough has been confirmed by the club.

He has been sacked despite director of Barry Fry paying tribute to his 'miraculous achievements' at London Road.

Ferguson, the 37-year-old son of Manchester United boss Sir Alex, guided Posh to successive promotions after taking over at the club in January 2007.

But Saturday's 3-1 defeat at Coca-Cola Championship leaders Newcastle saw Posh slump to the bottom of the table, with just two wins from 16 games.

After extensive talks in the past two days, director of football Fry told the
Peterborough Evening Telegraph: 'I and the club would like to thank him for his
miraculous achievements with the total support of the chairman (Darragh
MacAnthony) in the near three years he has been at the club and we wish him and his family all the best in the future.

'Nothing surprises me in football.'

Steve Coppell and Peter Taylor are among the favourites to succeed Ferguson.

Peterborough's players were told on Tuesday that Ferguson has left his job.

The 37-year-old was relieved of his duties after a meeting with director of football Barry Fry and chief executive officer Bob Symms on Monday.

Ferguson had forged himself a strong reputation after leading the club up from League Two and seemingly striking up a good relationship with the club's ambitious chairman MacAnthony.

Peterborough's George Boyd (right) challenges Fabricio Coloccini

Struggle: Peterborough's George Boyd (right) challenges Fabricio Coloccini during a tough day for the Posh at Newcastle

 

After Saturday's defeat, Ferguson said: ‘We are bottom and we don’t like it, but I know what I have in that dressing room and it’s plenty of spirit and commitment.

‘We have 30 games to put things right, which is a lot of time.’

That time ran out quicker than anticipated. Ferguson signed a new four-year contract in the summer after being linked with moves to Reading, West Brom and QPR.

There were rumours he was desperate to bring in another striker ahead of his next match with Sheffield United on November 21. He had won 73 of his 145 games, suffering just 40 defeats.

Ferguson has also been linked with Hull City, where Phil Brown remains under pressure, but sources close to the former Wolves midfielder said he had no other job lined up.

 

 


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This can only be down to something that went on behind teh scenes as his performance for Peterborough over the last 24-28 months has been magnificent. Otherwise why would anyone sack a manager imemadiately after back to back promotions. They aren't exactly Real Madrid are they? 

Must of been something personnel.

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Fry really knows about football doesnt he. What price success. This bloke was the best manager they had for years, even his dad struggled in the first years at Man Utd. Peteborough are nor premiership material and never will be, Fry has delusions of grandeur.

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It amazes me that clubs think sacking a manager will help make the team better. Bringing in new managers all the time just unsettles everyone. Pick a good one, give him the chance to do what he needs to do and remember that not everyone will win every game. They admit he did a great job... 

Re: JOHN, GIBRALTAR- Exactly!!!

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'A bright light in a very dark and cloudy sky', mere words that sum up Peterborough and Darren Ferguson! Shame on you Mr Fry,I choose not to use larger words or for that matter be more articulate in expressing my disgust at the manner in which Ferguson has been treated. Why? because if Barry Fry is reading this he wouldn't understand ! 

Ferguson offered hope,he was forward thinking,he would have turned it around. But sadly the powers that be cannot see further than their noses,or can they? 

Would they rather be in a lower league where they can get by without financial investment, or in the Championship where they can make a name for themselves? My mind is made up!

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lets hope they end up back where he found then but with championship wages.

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Good Luck Darren, it would be nice to see you back as our Manager in a few years time. Others have come back. You did a wonderful job. 

Now come on Posh, pull up your socks and get up that table. 

Supporter for some 50 years.