Darren Ferguson has resigned as Peterborough manager with his side languishing in the bottom three of the Sky Bet Championship.
Saturday’s defeat at fellow strugglers Derby left Posh five points adrift of safety and without a win in the league since December 11.
Ferguson, who led the club to automatic promotion from League One last season, offered his resignation in a phone call to co-owner Darragh MacAnthony on Sunday.
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MacAnthony said: “Myself and my two partners regard Darren as one of the greatest managers of this football club, most certainly in the modern era.
“The success we have enjoyed with him at the helm has been unrivalled and he will always be described as a legend by myself and my partners.
“I want to personally thank him for all his hard work on behalf of the club, particularly in his third spell when he dealt with the unquestionable frustration at the season being cut short due to Covid-19 and then responding by securing promotion the following season against all the odds.
“The financial constraints he had to work under due to the impact of no supporters inside the stadium was something that nobody could have foreseen, and he dealt with that in such an admirable and methodical way.
“He created a working environment that the players enjoyed despite the restrictions and he deserves enormous credit for that and the success we enjoyed.”
Ferguson released a statement via the League Managers Association that read: “It is after serious consideration, that I have made the decision to resign as manager of Peterborough United.
“After working tirelessly and winning promotion to the Championship, I genuinely hope that the club can find a way to remain there.
“Thank you to the players and staff, who were committed to the task in hand. Particularly Liz (Elsom), Kieran (Scarff), Barry (Fry) and Bob (Burrows).
“I would also like to express my respect for Darragh MacAnthony who has shown endless support and commitment to Peterborough United throughout the years. I’m sure the fans will continue to get behind him and the new management no matter what the position of the club is.
“Wishing them good luck for the future.”
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