Robbie Savage appointed new Peterborough United manager

Peterborough United have appointed Robbie Savage as their new first team manager.

Savage, who joins from Forest Green Rovers, has signed a long-term contract at the Weston Homes Stadium, completing the paperwork at the Bespoke Builds Training Ground on Friday morning before meeting the media.

The former Leicester City, Birmingham City, Derby County and Blackburn Rovers midfielder made 41 appearances for Wales during his playing career, before taking his first steps in management with Macclesfield Town.

Under his leadership, the club achieved promotion to the National League North in March 2025, winning the league in the process.

He joined Forest Green Rovers in July 2025, where he had a near 50% win record.

Savage will continue to work with the existing management team at Peterborough, and will meet the squad on Sunday as preparations begin for Tuesday night's Jersey Mike's Trophy tie against Ipswich Town Under 21s at the Weston Homes Stadium.

Chairman Darragh MacAnthony said "excitement" was the word he would use to describe the appointment, "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," Mr MacAnthony said.

"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," he said.

"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," Mr MacAnthony said.

Savage said the size of the club, its philosophy, working with young players and the style of football were what attracted him to the role.

"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," Savage said.

"I love entertaining, attacking football, that is my belief. I would rather win games five-four than one-nil. It is the perfect fit, and I am really excited about the opportunity," he said.

"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," Savage said.

"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 one-one at home with five minutes to go, I want my teams to go for the winner," he said.

"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," Savage said.

"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 said.