The Problem With Chairmen: Peterborough United Manager Ferguson Fired

Press reports suggest that Darren Ferguson has been sacked as manager of Peterborough United.

The son of Manchester United boss, Sir Alex, watched his side lose 3-1 to Newcastle United on Saturday, a loss that saw them drop to last place, having picked up just 11 points in 16 games.

So at first glance, you might see why Ferguson would get sacked.

But let’s turn back the clock two seasons. In November 2006, Peterborough United was in League Two in England. They won promotion to League One that season before being promoted again this year to the Championship.

So Ferguson wins back-to-back promotions, then is let go three months into the new season? What sort of knee-jerk reaction is that?

What was the Chairman expecting? That Peterborough would get promoted every year?

After two consecutive promotions, most football analysts would agree that this would be a settling-in year for Peterborough. The goal would be to survive in the Championship, consolidate the squad and plan for a mid-table or higher spot next year.

They are bottom of the table, four points from safety. Instead of getting support from the board, a la Roy Keane at Ipswich, Peterborough has instead gone the other way.

Chairmen cannot complain about loyalty if a manager leaves in mid-contract and goes to another team, when they treat successful managers like Ferguson like this.

Managers need to be given time to get results, and when you have won back-to-back promotions, you would expect to get a little more leeway. If Peterborough fires Ferguson, they deserve to get relegated.