Ferguson will take charge of the first team for the 500th time on Tuesday (November 2) when Huddersfield visit the Weston Homes Stadium for a Championship fixture.
MacAnthony was the man who gave Ferguson his first managerial job at Posh in January, 2007. He’s since sacked him twice and re-hired him twice!
MacAnthony said: “Five hundred games as a manager at the same club is practically unheard of nowadays so I have to pay tribute to my manager for reaching this milestone and at a relatively young age as well.
“The ‘Gaffer’ doesn’t get enough credit from those outside the Peterborough area for his achievements of five promotions as a manager (four at Posh, one at Doncaster), a Cup Final victory at Wembley (the 2014 Johnstons’ Paint Trophy), the multiple players developed and coached by him who have graced the highest level, a fantastic identity football-philosophy wise (look at the goals scored over these 500 games to give you an idea about that) and somebody who never looked to get a ‘bigger job’ or played games through the media like lots of modern day managers.
“Undoubtedly Darren is Peterborough’s best ever manager in my opinion. The greatest praise I can give him is, simply put, as without his incredible work, dedication and results over these 500 games, my time as chairman of the football club would not be remembered very fondly at all.
“For me he is the GOAT (greatest of all time) and always will be.
“Congratulations Gaffer to you and (wife) Nicola (as she has put up with you for those 500 games) and your wonderful family. You are a true credit to your profession.
“Lots of love from somebody who has fired you twice and hired you three times!”
Some top Posh stars who played under Ferguson at London Road penned their own tributes...
5. From TOM WILLIAMS
“Darren was a manager who I could laugh and joke with, but had the upmost respect for. He trusted me and the way I played which was everything for me . Other managers held me back when he urged me forward. I ran through brick walls for him and would do so again. I really enjoyed my time under him. It was probably the most successful time of my career (back to back promotions)!"
6. From RUSSELL MARTIN
“I owe a great deal to Darren for the part he played in my career. He signed me for Peterborough and made me the club’s youngest-ever captain, which was considerable responsibility for someone so young. We won promotion to the Championship together and enjoyed great success with a terrific bunch of lads. Darren is a brilliant manager and he’s had wonderful success at Peterborough. To to get to 500 games in charge of one club in the modern era is testament to the hard work he has put in and the respect he has in the game.”