Peterborough United have appointed Robbie Savage as their new manager, bringing in the 51-year-old to replace Luke Williams at the Weston Homes Stadium. Williams was dismissed on 19 September after a disappointing start to the League One season left the club sitting 23rd in the division.
Savage's appointment marks his first managerial role at an English Football League club. The former Wales international midfielder, who played for Derby County, Birmingham City, Leicester City and Blackburn Rovers during his playing career, arrives from Forest Green Rovers, where he had been in charge since July 2025. A compensation dispute between the two clubs was reported to be delaying the move, though the difference between them was described as minimal. According to local reporting, Savage had signed a four-year contract with Forest Green in July 2025, leaving approximately two and a half years remaining on that deal when he departed.
At Forest Green, Savage guided the National League side to seventh place last season, though they were eliminated in the play-off eliminators. This season, Forest Green sit 12th after 10 matches, with a record of four wins, two draws and four defeats. His appointment at Peterborough comes at a critical juncture for the struggling League One club, which has managed only four goals in the league so far this season and just two in their past 23 league fixtures stretching back into the previous campaign.
What is Savage's managerial background?
Before joining Forest Green, Savage managed Macclesfield, another non-league club, establishing himself in the lower reaches of English football management. His record at this level is modest by League One standards, raising questions about whether his experience is sufficient for the demands of managing at this higher tier. However, his appointment represents a significant change of direction for Peterborough after two years of relative stagnation.
What challenges does Savage face at Peterborough?
Savage inherits a squad that has lost key players during the summer transfer window, with replacement signings yet to make a convincing impact. The club's attacking output has been particularly concerning, with the goal-scoring drought extending back into the previous season. Job security has been a persistent issue for Peterborough managers in recent years—Luke Williams lasted nine months, Grant McCann the same length of time, and Steve Evans reached 10 months. The notable exception was Darren Ferguson, who departed in October 2025 after a longer tenure. Savage will need to make an immediate impact to avoid following the pattern of his recent predecessors.
There are also question marks over his ability to manage the relationship with owner Darragh MacAnthony, who is known for taking a hands-on approach to club matters. Despite these challenges, Savage's appointment may represent the kind of fresh impetus the club requires after a prolonged period of underperformance.
When does Savage take charge?
Savage will make his managerial debut for Peterborough when the club hosts Ipswich Town Under-21s in the EFL Trophy on 6 October. The club's League One campaign resumes on 10 October with a trip to Leicester City, a club where Savage played during his professional career. Before that fixture, Peterborough's scheduled League One match against Notts County on 3 October was postponed due to international call-ups, giving Savage additional time to assess his squad and prepare for the resumption of league action.
Key facts
- Robbie Savage, 51, replaces Luke Williams as Peterborough manager following Williams's dismissal on 19 September
- This is Savage's first managerial appointment at an EFL club; he previously managed Forest Green Rovers and Macclesfield
- Peterborough sit 23rd in League One with only four goals scored in the league this season
- Savage will take charge for the first time in the EFL Trophy match against Ipswich Town Under-21s on 6 October, with the League One campaign resuming at Leicester City on 10 October
- A compensation dispute between Peterborough and Forest Green delayed the appointment, with reports indicating the difference was minimal
