Darragh MacAnthony: ‘Darren Ferguson has one of the safest jobs in football, he’s an amazing manager’

Ferguson came under social media fire after a fifth loss in six competitive matches at Portsmouth last Saturday. Another Posh co-owner Dr Jason Neale was quick to publicly back Ferguson and MacAnthony did the same in the latest edition of his popular ‘Hard Truth’ podcast.

MacAnthony has been frustrated by recent form, and he’s questioned some tactical decisons, but he described Ferguson as ‘an amazing manager.’

Posh did bounce back to form when a young side recorded a 3-0 win over West Ham United 21s in the Papa John’s Trophy

“Darren has one of the safest jobs in football,” MacAnthony stated before the game against the Hammers. “I’ve told him not to over-think things and just believe in himself and his convictions. He’s an amazing manager.

“I filly expect us to step up and start winning again soon and when we do we will win big. You can’t go from winning nine out of 10 games like we did including a win at Hull, to losing at home to Chorley and then at Wimbledon.

“We had 14 shots against Plymouth and won 1-0 and 17 shots at Wimbledon and managed to lose. Too many goalkeepers we have played against recently could have gone for a cruise holiday during the game as we haven’t worked them.

“We put a flag in the sand in the summer and said we would use one of two different formations, but we went away from that at Portsmouth on Saturday. Three different formations in 16 games is too many in my opinion.

“I don’t want to see us having one shot all game while trying to hang in. I want us to try and outscore the opposition and win 5-4 or 4-3. Portsmouth will not have an easier win all season.

“I know we were missing our two main wing-backs at Portsmouth, but we planned for the squad to have cover in every position this season and Harrison Burrows and Idris Kanu were our back-up wing-backs and it was disappointing to see they didn’t play.

“There is no harm in throwing one or two youngsters into a side. You have to play them at some stage.

“I firmly believe our recruitment was good in the summer. The owners have done their bit and now it’s up to the management staff and players to do their bit.”