The head coach of Peterborough United F.C. is formally fired following their match loss to Blackpool.

Darren Ferguson Sacked as Ian Evatt makes a winning start with Blackpool.

Peterborough United have parted ways with manager Darren Ferguson following their 2-1 home defeat to Blackpool on Saturday, which was Ian Evatt’s first win in command of the Seasiders.

Evatt, who took command for the first time since replacing Neil Critchley, made an immediate effect as his team collected their first away points of the season thanks to a sensational late strike from Scott Banks at the Weston Homes Stadium. The victory lifted Blackpool from the bottom of League One, sealing a successful debut for the new manager.

It proved to be the last straw for Ferguson, as Peterborough confirmed his departure shortly after full-time. The 53-year-old leaves the club for the fourth time in his career, having returned in 2023 for another tenure as manager.

Peterborough United’s Statement

In a poignant tribute, the club recognized Ferguson as “the greatest manager in the club’s history.”

“There are too many wonderful moments to mention, but I’ll cherish every one of them,” the spokesperson said.
“He operated this club as if it were his own. I am devastated that he is no longer our manager and will miss our daily football chats. “He will always be a member of the Peterborough family.”

The statement continued:

“This season has been difficult on multiple fronts. It’s time for a fresh start and new opportunities both on and off the field. Thank you to our amazing supporters for staying with us. Goodbye, legend—and thank you.”

Evatt’s tactical tweaks pay off.
Evatt made an immediate impact on the team, converting to a wing-back system in which Andy Lyons dropped into a back three, with CJ Hamilton and Zac Ashworth acting out wide.

While the revised formation did not instantly strengthen Blackpool’s defense, with Bailey Peacock-Farrell forced into early saves to deny Matt Garbett, the Seasiders scored first when Josh Bowler’s effort was parried into Peter Kioso, with the ball rebounding off the defender and into his own net.

Before the break, Peterborough equalised when Garbett raced quickly to a loose ball from a corner, blasting through a packed area.

However, Blackpool showed perseverance in the second half, and with time running out, Scott Banks produced a moment of magic, curling in a superb winner to secure a well-deserved victory.

Peacock-Farrell produced another crucial stop in stoppage time to secure the three points and give Evatt a perfect start to his reign.