MCCANN THE MANAGER: New boss won't be messing about

The 36 year-old admits he feels a warm affinity to a club he first joined as a player in the summer of 2010. Almost six years later he has landed a four year-contract as Posh manager.

But McCann only put himself forward for the post because he believes he can steer Posh back to the Championship.

He’s unconcerned by chairman Darragh MacAnthony’s recent record for firing managers after short reigns at the ABAX Stadium.

He’s also unconcerned by his own inexperience and by suggestions he has been tainted by association with the failed regimes of Dave Robertson and Graham Westley. McCann has worked as an assistant manager to both of them.

McCann, who MacAnthony revealed has a £2 million release clause in his contract, will appoint an experienced coach to assist him and he will also be supported by Posh legends Dave Farrell (under 21 manager) and Mark Tyler (player/goalkeeping coach). Jack Collison will remain at Posh as under 18 manager.

“I’m not tainted by association with anyone,” McCann insisted. “I’m my own man. Obviously as assistant manager you have a voice, but you don’t have the final say.

“I love this football club and I am immensely proud to have been appointed the manager. I am grateful to the chairman for the opportunity and to the support of the players and of the fans since I took charge for the final two games of last season.

“I’m ready for this job and I’m not here to mess about. I have some tough decisions to make as I want to take this club back to the Championship as soon as possible.

“Of course that ambition brings pressure with it, but I thrived on pressure all my playing career and I expect to thrive on it as a manager.

“I expect to be here at the end of the four-year contract. I expect to be here in six years time.

“Myself, Faz and Tyles and have all won promotions. We know how to get the job done and I will be appointing an experienced coach to work alongside me.

“I have someone in mind. Hopefully I will be able to confirm his appointment in the next couple of weeks.

“This is a very proud day for me and my family. I am determined to repay the faith shown in me by delivering success.”

McCann also revealed he had a big say in the club’s retained list which was released last week. He has also started discussions with some of the players entering the final year of their contract.

Club policy is to transfer list any player entering the last year of his contract who doesn’t immediately agree a new deal.