Darragh MacAnthony has publicly backed Darren Ferguson despite Peterborough United’s dreadful start to the season, leaving them rooted to the bottom of League One.
The Posh chairman insists the manager retains his full support and explained the reasons behind their late flurry of transfer business.
Chairman stands firm
Pressure has mounted on Ferguson after just one point from the opening seven league fixtures, compounded by a Carabao Cup exit to lower-tier opposition. Defending the club’s stance, MacAnthony stressed that his manager’s position is not under threat and reiterated confidence in his ability to turn results around.
When asked directly about Ferguson’s job security, he responded unequivocally: “And to final question (re backing Ferguson) the answer is yep.” The chairman emphasised that a mix of financial planning, loan availability and the need to give existing players a fair chance were behind the timing of several late summer deals.
Explaining the transfer window
Peterborough unveiled four deadline-day signings, all of whom featured in the 3-2 defeat at Huddersfield Town. MacAnthony explained that while significant spending had already taken place in June and July, several clubs delayed releasing loan players until late August, which dictated when Ferguson could act. He added that the manager had deliberately held off making harsh calls on his squad earlier in the summer to properly assess options.
The chairman also dismissed speculation around outside investment funding the recruitment drive.
“So much rumour stuff flying around then as usual? (The spending) has nothing to do with anything, but the following:
“Factoring timing when money is in, but we spent a lot in June and early July as well more on deadline day. Cap space transfer spend wise timing for final bits. Re loans – their clubs wouldn’t let them out till late August and the manager didn’t want to be harsh early summer on some players, and wanted to give them a fair shake.”
Ferguson unfazed
Ferguson himself has maintained that he has “nothing to prove” despite growing scrutiny. The 53-year-old, in his fourth spell with the club, has previously overseen promotions to the Championship but now faces one of the toughest challenges of his tenure as Posh languish at the foot of the table.
Writer’s View
Public backing from a chairman can sometimes be a kiss of death, but MacAnthony’s track record suggests otherwise. He has long trusted Ferguson, and the manager’s history of success at London Road provides credibility to the show of faith. Yet results must improve quickly to prevent the season from unravelling before it has truly begun.
The decision to overhaul the squad late may offer short-term turbulence, but it also gives Ferguson new tools to work with. Whether he can mould them into a winning unit will define Posh’s campaign. For now, the message is clear: the chairman is standing by his man.
