Macanthony stunned Posh fans by unveiling former Wrexham midfielder Darren Ferguson as the club's third full-time manager in 12 months ahead of Saturday's 3-0 home defeat by Stockport County.

It's Ferguson's first managerial job, but Macanthony insists he has earned the job on merit and not because he is the son of Manchester United's legendary boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

Macanthony said: "Sir Alex Ferguson's name never came up in our interview. Darren delivered a brilliantly enthusiastic interview and I have confidence he will get our season back on track.

"I don't see his lack of experience as a gamble. The season was getting away from us, but I firmly believe that Darren has the attributes to get the team together and drive them on.

"My own father was a great businessman and I always wanted to emulate him and I presume it's the same for Darren. His father is not a bad man to take advice from though."

Ferguson junior watched Saturday's surrender against Stockport, the club's seventh straight League Two defeat. He left after the game without commenting on another poor performance.

Ferguson, who is understood to have been interested in the manager's job at Wrexham, is still registered as a player and it was complications with his playing contract at Wrexham which delayed the announcement of his appointment until 1pm on Saturday.

Before the match Ferguson said: "I am still playing, but I hope I don't have to. I've always wanted to be a manager, but I didn't expect to get the opportunity so quickly.

"It's a great opportunity and I intend to make the most of it. I have firm ideas about the way I want us to play and what I hope to achieve."

Former Posh loan player Kevin Russell will be Ferguson's assistant with Tommy Taylor retaining his position as first-team coach.

Ferguson's first game in charge will be a League Two local derby at Lincoln next Saturday.