Luke Williams has emerged as the overwhelming favourite to take charge of Peterborough United after Darren Ferguson’s fourth spell at the Weston Homes Stadium came to an end on Saturday evening.
The 43-year-old, who led Notts County to EFL promotion in 2023 before managing Swansea City, is expected to be unveiled on Monday as Posh move quickly to stabilise their League One campaign.
Darragh MacAnthony Loses Faith With Legend
Peterborough United confirmed the departure of Darren Ferguson following their 2-0 home defeat to Blackpool, a result that left them bottom of League One. The club’s long-serving boss, who has guided the team to 4 separate promotions across his various stints, leaves with the side in urgent need of direction.
Multiple reports now indicate that Luke Williams will take over immediately, with his backroom team also being finalised. The Telegraph revealed that Kevin Russell and Kieran Scarff have exited alongside Ferguson, clearing the way for Williams to bring in his own staff.
Williams’ coaching pedigree has long impressed Posh chairman Darragh MacAnthony, who is known to have admired his work since Notts County’s thrilling 2022–23 National League campaign. Under Williams, County amassed 107 points and scored 117 goals in 46 matches, only missing out on the title to Wrexham. His side then won promotion via the play-offs after a dramatic 2-2 Wembley final against Chesterfield.
That attacking, possession-based philosophy caught the eye of several EFL clubs. Swansea City appointed Williams in January 2024 after the departure of Michael Duff, but a difficult run of results led to his exit in February 2025.
His return to management now offers a second chance to prove his tactical credentials in League One.
Luke Williams gets it. He’s not just an excellent coach, he’s an excellent person too
He understands psychology better than most. He’s used a similar tactic at #Notts before, and it clearly paid off 🙌pic.twitter.com/HVxT08teiR
— tomhwilliams23 (@tomhwilliams23) March 18, 2024
Cultural Reset Coming At London Road
While the club has yet to confirm Williams’ appointment, the rapid developments suggest an official announcement is imminent. Players are due back for training on Monday morning, and the new boss is expected to be in place by then to begin preparations for Posh’s next fixture.
Williams’ arrival could mark a cultural reset at Peterborough. Known for his modern coaching methods and emphasis on quick transitions, he has previously worked with Russell Martin at both MK Dons and Swansea, as well as serving on the coaching staffs of Brighton, Bristol City, and West Ham United. His wide-ranging experience across English football gives him the profile to reshape a struggling side still rich with attacking talent.
Scott Banks got Ian Evatt’s tenure at Blackpool off to a winning start with this strike 🧡
This game also saw the end of Darren Ferguson’s *fourth* spell in charge of Peterborough pic.twitter.com/gRX8wzXIbu
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) October 26, 2025
For Peterborough, the decision represents both risk and opportunity. Williams’ recent struggles in South Wales will prompt scrutiny, but his record at Notts County shows his ability to build free-flowing, confident footballing sides given time and backing. MacAnthony’s long-standing interest suggests this is a calculated appointment rather than a reactionary one.
If confirmed, Williams will inherit a squad still expected to challenge higher up the table. Restoring belief, tightening defensive frailties, and rediscovering attacking sharpness will be his immediate priorities as Posh aim to climb away from danger and reassert their promotion ambitions.
