Robbie Savage takes Peterborough job: 'All I want is a chance'

Robbie Savage is the new manager of Peterborough United. The former Leicester City, Birmingham City and Blackburn Rovers midfielder has left Forest Green Rovers in the National League and signed a long-term contract with the League One side, who sit second from bottom and dismissed Luke Williams last month. For the 50-year-old, it is a first managerial post in the Football League since he retired as a player in 2011, and he arrives eager to prove the doubters wrong.

• Savage departs fifth-tier Forest Green Rovers to take charge of Peterborough in League One.
• The Cambridgeshire club are second from bottom and need a quick turnaround after sacking Luke Williams.
• It is Savage's first Football League management job since he stopped playing in 2011.
• Chairman Darragh MacAnthony highlights the new manager's "personality, character and mindset".
• He will make his dugout debut on Tuesday against Ipswich Under-21s in the Football League Trophy.

Robbie Savage's path from Forest Green to the Football League

Savage began his managerial career at Macclesfield, where he steered the club to promotion into the National League North, the sixth tier of English football. He then took over at Forest Green Rovers in 2025, and his move to Peterborough represents a step up of three divisions. The challenge is considerable: Posh are second from bottom of League One and need points quickly to climb away from the relegation zone.

Everyone's entitled to their opinion but all I want is a chance. I've done it all my life.

What Savage expects from his young Peterborough squad

In his first press conference, Savage made clear what he wants from his players. He recalled being released by Manchester United and having to fight for a place at Leicester to underline that nothing has ever been handed to him. That combative attitude is precisely what he aims to instil in a young dressing room bruised by poor results.

Judge me when we start playing football – that's what I love. I'm passionate and emotional and I just want to watch this young team give me everything, play that explosive style of football.

When Robbie Savage will take charge of his first Peterborough match

There is little time to settle. Savage is expected to meet the players for the first time on Sunday and will take charge of his opening game on Tuesday, in the Football League Trophy tie against Ipswich Town Under-21s. It will be a rapid first test before the next round of league fixtures.

Why MacAnthony backed a manager hungry for redemption

Peterborough chairman Darragh MacAnthony was generous in his praise for the new appointment. He said it had been too long since he felt genuine excitement about the club's direction and described Savage's arrival as a jolt of energy for the whole structure. He highlighted the Welshman's intensity during a lengthy interview process and his determination to restore confidence to a talented squad.

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. 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.

What is at stake for Peterborough in the coming weeks

With the team sitting in the League One relegation places, every point is becoming vital. Savage's arrival is designed to change the dynamic and help Peterborough climb away from the bottom of the table. The young squad will need to adapt quickly to a more intense, direct style of play, just as the new manager has demanded from his first public appearance.

Robbie Savage and Peterborough: key questions answered