The former player takes on his first Football League managerial role with the struggling side
Category: Sports
Robbie Savage has officially been appointed as the new manager of Peterborough United, marking his return to the Football League after a long absence. The announcement was made on October 2, 2026, following Savage's departure from Forest Green Rovers, where he had been manager for 15 months. Peterborough, currently second from bottom in League One, is looking to revitalize its fortunes after the recent sacking of Luke Williams.
Savage's appointment comes at a challenging time for the club, which has struggled to find its footing in the league. With only a handful of points separating them from the bottom of the table, the pressure is on Savage to turn the team's performance around. He expressed his eagerness to prove any doubters wrong and emphasized his commitment to playing an energetic and attacking style of football. “Everyone’s entitled to their opinion but all I want is a chance. I’ve done it all my life,” Savage stated during his introductory press conference. “I love entertaining, attacking football; that is my belief. I would rather win games 5-4 than 1-0.”
Peterborough chairman Darragh MacAnthony voiced his enthusiasm for Savage's appointment, describing it as a much-needed boost for the club. "Excitement is the word I can use to describe the appointment of Robbie Savage as our new manager – a word I personally haven’t used about our football club for too long," MacAnthony said. He highlighted Savage's personality and mindset as key factors that the club needs to regain confidence and improve performance.
Savage's managerial career began at Macclesfield Town, where he successfully led the team to promotion to the National League North in March 2025. This achievement set the stage for his move to Forest Green Rovers in July 2025, where he maintained a nearly 50% win record. His time at Forest Green culminated in a playoff campaign, though the team fell short in the semi-finals. Savage's experience in the lower leagues has equipped him with insights that he hopes to leverage at Peterborough.
Peterborough United, on the other hand, has had a rocky season, having recently parted ways with Williams after a series of disappointing results. The club's management is eager to see a turnaround in form, and Savage's appointment is seen as a strategic move to reinvigorate the squad. With a youthful team at his disposal, Savage is determined to instill a winning mentality and an attractive style of play.
In his first statements as manager, Savage highlighted the importance of working with young players. He stated, "What attracted me to the club is the size of the club, the philosophy, working with young players and making them more effective." His focus on youth development is aligned with the club's broader strategy of nurturing talent and promoting from within.
As Savage prepares for his first match in charge, he is expected to meet the players for the first time on the upcoming Sunday. His debut will take place on Tuesday in the Jersey Mike's Trophy tie against Ipswich Town Under-21s at the Weston Homes Stadium. This match will provide an early opportunity for Savage to implement his ideas and begin building rapport with the squad.
Looking ahead, Savage's approach to management will involve being present at every training session, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and communication. He stated, "I am a manager, so I will be there for every session, but I believe in trusting the coaches to deliver the messages and the sessions." This collaborative approach is intended to create a cohesive environment where players feel supported and motivated to perform.
Savage is also aware of the scrutiny that comes with his appointment, particularly in the age of social media. He acknowledged the reservations some may have about his managerial capabilities but expressed confidence in his ability to protect his players. "I understand there will be people out there with reservations. We all know the modern world has changed with social media. I understand it. I have been around for a long time. I will stand on that touchline and protect my players; it is a brilliant squad, I can't wait to get going, it is going to be fun," he remarked.
With the club's future hanging in the balance, Savage's leadership will be put to the test as he attempts to steer Peterborough away from the relegation zone and back into contention for a more favorable league position. The upcoming matches will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, as the club hopes to regain its competitive edge under new management.
In a final note, Savage's long-term contract with Peterborough signifies the club's commitment to building a stable foundation for the future. As he embarks on this new chapter, both he and the club aim to rekindle the excitement and passion that have been missing in recent times. The first test will come against Ipswich Town Under-21s on October 4, 2026, where Savage will look to make an immediate impact.