New boss aims to turn 'feeble and fragile' Peterborough United into a fearless and formidable side

New Posh boss Robbie Savage made the revelation during a fans’ forum at the Weston Homes Stadium. In recent days Savage contacted four rival League One managers and asked their opinions on why Posh had struggled so much they’d sunk to 23rd in League One.

Savage also asked every member of his current squad why they thought the season so far had been so difficult. The players gave their answers anonymously, but their manager shared it with supporters tonight.

“I gave every player a sheet of paper and got them to write down why we are in this position in League One,” Savage said. “They all answered anonymously and a lot of them said the same thing, that they are low in confidence and feel vulnerable.

"I also asked four League One managers about our situation and they said we have been feeble and fragile, and that we would crumble after conceding the first goal.

“This is a young group though and I believe I can help them. I will fill them with positivity and I will protect them if things go wrong.”

Savage also gave a pre-match interview to the Posh Plus service ahead of his London Road managerial debut at home to Ipswich Town Under 21s in the Jersey Mike’s Trophy on Tuesday night (7pm kick off).

A win for Posh would ensure they reach the knockout stages. Holders Luton Town would also qualify with a group game to spare if Posh win.

"I’ve had a brilliant two days with the players,” Savage said. “They’ve really bought into a new way of playing. It might take time for them to adjust, but there are so many good players here with so much athleticism I have a lot of confidence in them.

"They want to run around, they want to attack and they want to score goals. A few home truths have been required, but they are all focused on the challenge ahead. I want to see them play with freedom, togetherness, hunger, positivity and bravery.

"The first goal will be important, but if we do fall behind we have to not let our heads go down. That can’t happen any more. First and foremost we need to win the game, but if we do have the game won I want us to keep driving forward and to keep scoring goals. We have to rebuild our confidence and we want to entertain the crowd like we used to in Darren Ferguson’s day.

"We mustn’t look back or take a step back. We can go onto climb the League One table quickly if we have the belief. We also want to do well in the Trophy though. I wouldn’t mind a final at Wembley and the players are the same.”

Injured players Sam Hughes, Declan Frith, Tom O’Connor, Matty Garbett and Brandon Khela all trained today. Midfielder Khela is most likely to be involved tomorrow.