Robbie Savage takes charge at Peterborough United in first move into EFL

Robbie Savage has completed his move into the EFL after Peterborough United appointed him as their new manager on a long-term contract.

The 51-year-old joins from National League side Forest Green Rovers, having been given permission to speak to the League One outfit earlier this week.

Savage had emerged as a contender for the Peterborough job after Luke Williams left the club last month following a 2-0 defeat against Doncaster Rovers that left the club in the relegation zone.

The former Leicester City, Derby County and Wales midfielder was absent for Forest Green’s midweek clash against Wealdstone as talks progressed.

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Philosophy

And he has now taken charge at Weston Homes Stadium today, stating Peterborough’s attacking philosophy was a major factor in his decision to make the move in his first words in charge.

“What attracted me to the club is the size of the club, the philosophy, working with young players and making them better, but the style of football was key,” he told the club.

“I based my football philosophy at previous clubs on the way that Peterborough play – I have studied the club for a number of years now.

“I love entertaining, attacking football, that is my belief – I would rather win games 5-4 than 1-0.

“It is the perfect fit and I am really excited about the opportunity.”

Savage also made it clear he has no intention of changing his approach now he has stepped into the third tier of English football.

“I am really looking forward to getting out there on the training ground, but I am a manager, I will be there for every session, but I believe in trusting the coaches in delivering the messages and the session,” he added.

“I am not a manager who is going to want my teams to pass the ball around the back and chalk up 600 passes every game.

“We are going to go for it and attack and, if we are 1-1 at home with five minutes to go, I want my teams to go for the winner.”

Character

Savage acknowledged there would be reservations about his appointment but insisted he is ready for the scrutiny that comes with the job.

“I understand there will be people out there with reservations,” Savage explained. “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.”

Peterborough chairman Darragh MacAnthony, meanwhile, believes Savage has the personality and character to take the club forward.

“Excitement is the word I can use to describe the appointment of Robbie Savage as our new manager,” MacAnthony said.

“A word I personally haven’t used about our football club for too long. 

“His personality, character and mindset is something we need top to bottom. Nobody will work harder to get us up and running again than Robbie.

“The board were blown away by him in an extensive interview and his hunger to fix our issues and get confidence back into our talented squad is what I am most excited by.”

First test

He concluded: “Our wonderful fan base will get to know him in the coming days, weeks and months and why everybody was so aligned in ensuring he became our manager.

“We wish Robbie and his lovely family nothing but wonderful times as our first team manager.”

Savage began his managerial career at Macclesfield, guiding them to promotion to the National League North in March 2025 before taking over at Forest Green that summer.

He led the Green Army into the National League play-offs during his first season, but they suffered an extra-time semi-final defeat to Boreham Wood.

Savage’s first test in the Football League comes next week, when Peterborough face Ipswich Town U21s in the Jersey Mike’s Trophy on Tuesday, with the new boss due to meet his squad on Sunday.

He will also retain Peterborough’s existing coaching staff as he begins the task of dragging the club out of the bottom four.

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