The 44-year-old has been out of work since leaving South Wales in February.
Risk Or Reward?
Luke Williams turned to coaching after a knee injury ended his playing career at 19. He began with youth teams at Leyton Orient and West Ham, then led Brighton’s under-21s and assisted at Swindon Town.
Named Swindon head coach in 2015, he earned a five-year deal with early wins but was relegated in 2017 amid major interference from the hierarchy.
He later served as an assistant at MK Dons and Swansea, developing a possession-based approach. In 2022, he guided Notts County to National League promotion via Wembley, setting club records for wins and goals.
Appointed Swansea head coach in January 2024, he finished 14th with the renowned attacking philosophy he was known for at his time in Nottingham.
However, a horrendous run of seven losses in nine games led to his sacking in February this year.
Since then, Williams has been working at Bristol Airport since June, assisting passengers with mobility needs, calling it “meaningful work” to stay active.
Not So Posh
Peterborough United’s League One campaign has been a stark contrast to their recent playoff pushes. After retaining the EFL Trophy last season, the Posh entered with promotion hopes under Darren Ferguson, in his fourth stint since 2007.
But results tanked with just three wins from 13 games, including draws and heavy losses, particularly at London Road, left them rooted to the bottom with 10 points by late October.
A 2-1 home defeat to struggling Blackpool last weekend proved the final straw for the Scot. An own goal by Peter Kioso gave the visitors the lead, Matt Garbett equalised before halftime, but Scott Banks’ late curler sealed the win.
Five points adrift of safety, the board have decided to act swiftly.
Chairman Darragh MacAnthony has issued the following statement following today’s defeat to Blackpool.#pufc
— Peterborough United (@theposh) October 25, 2025
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A Fitting Tribute
Chairman Darragh MacAnthony announced the sacking that evening, describing it as a tough but necessary decision for the club’s future.
Ferguson, son of Manchester United legend Sir Alex, departs a legend with four promotions, 300 wins in 678 games, but this slump ended his 161-game tenure since his return in 2023.
Speaking on the club’s official website, MacAnthony said:
“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.”
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.”
“Goodbye Legend and Thank You!”
Who Else Could Take The Job?
Based on current betting markets, here are the five biggest UK bookmakers and their top five favourites for the vacant Peterborough United managerial role following Darren Ferguson’s dismissal.
But who have the bookies got as favourites?
| Bookmaker | 1st Favorite (Odds) | 2nd (Odds) | 3rd (Odds) | 4th (Odds) | 5th (Odds) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bet365 | Luke Williams (1/5) | Steve Evans (6/1) | Russell Martin (10/1) | Matt Bloomfield (10/1) | Jon Brady (16/1) |
| William Hill | Luke Williams (1/4) | Steve Evans (9/2) | Russell Martin (8/1) | Matt Bloomfield (8/1) | Jon Brady (20/1) |
| Betfred | Luke Williams (1/6) | Steve Evans (5/1) | Russell Martin (8/1) | Matt Bloomfield (8/1) | Jon Brady (25/1) |
| Paddy Power | Luke Williams (1/5) | Steve Evans (11/2) | Russell Martin (9/1) | Matt Bloomfield (10/1) | Jon Brady (18/1) |
| Coral | Luke Williams (1/5) | Steve Evans (5/1) | Russell Martin (8/1) | Matt Bloomfield (9/1) | Jon Brady (20/1) |
Writers View
Peterborough United sit bottom of League One with 10 points from 13 games. Darren Ferguson’s fourth spell ended after a 2-1 home loss to Blackpool. It’s safe to say the squad needs a new direction to avoid relegation.
Luke Williams arrives with a defined style, high possession, quick transitions, and quality high pressing. His Notts County side dominated the National League; at Swansea, he increased goal output despite limited resources. The Posh have scored 12 and conceded 22, this approach could just be the key to stabilising the defence and creating more chances.
London Road has been quiet to say the least. Williams’ proactive football offers something different and structured control, and tempo. If early results follow, it really could lift players and supporters alike.
