Peterborough United have sacked their manager, Dave Robertson, after Saturday’s 2-1 defeat away to Southend on Saturday.
Robertson, the 41-year-old former Royal Marine, was appointed by the club in May, but has only managed a solitary League One win this season. He therefore picks up the unwanted accolade of being the first manager in the English Football League to be sacked this season.
In an official statement on the club website, the Peterborough chairman, Darragh MacAnthony, said: “I would personally like to thank David for stepping in last season when the club was at a low point after the previous manager’s departure. He steadied the ship, put a smile on everyone’s faces again and worked tirelessly each day to improve the clubs fortunes on the pitch.
“After the season had finished, I felt it fair to give David a proper shot and appointed him first team manager on a full time basis with the remit to get our young squad ready and prepared for a proper promotion challenge this season whilst attempting to play the kind of football our fans have become accustomed to over the last 8 or 9 years.
“Unfortunately after yesterday’s result and the manner of defeat, I felt it was time to take action and make a change as it had become plain to see our young squad was under-performing and playing nowhere near their potential. Make no mistake, our players must also shoulder responsibility for this awful start to the season which has now led to a great person losing their job.”
Peterborough are currently 20th in League One, one place above the relegation zone on goal difference. The remainder of the current coaching staff will prepare the team for the league match at Oldham next Saturday.
