Darragh MacAnthony Confident In His Decision to Put Ferguson Back In Charge of Posh

Darren Ferguson has targeted winning a third promotion with Peterborough United after completing his shock return to London Road.

The 38-year-old took Peterborough United from League Two to the Championship in successive years during his first spell in charge but left in acrimonious circumstances in November 2009 with the club bottom of the second tier.

A poor year in charge of Preston followed for Ferguson - where he was sacked after Christmas - while chairman Darragh MacAnthony has seen Mark Cooper, Jim Gannon and Gary Johnson try and fail to emulate his success with the League One side.

Johnson was the latest to depart on Monday but after a 2-1 win over Brentford on Tuesday night lifted Peterborough United up to fifth, Ferguson is confident of an immediate return to the Championship.

He said: "You'd have to say automatic promotion is still possible this season. Anyone who can go on a run has got a right chance.

"I know the saying is 'never go back' but I don't believe in that.

"I've missed the place. I've had a hard 12 months at Preston but it's good to be back.

"We want to get into the Championship and stabilise in the Championship. That has always been the aim."

Ferguson said: "It was an easy decision for me to return.

"Contrary to what some people may say, me and the chairman Darragh MacAnthony have always had a great relationship and this is a really good football club.

"There have been a lot of changes but we can get this club back on track.

"There was no falling-out. Toward the end of my time here I maybe got a bit complacent. It was easy to get carried away with the success we had.

"We both agree we have learned a lot. We were naive going into the Championship last time but we will learn from that.

"I've cleared the air with Barry and I don't want to go over old ground.

"It has to be positive from now on. We've had a 15-month break but let's get back on with it."

But Darragh MacAnthony too hopes to crown a fresh start with another promotion.

Darragh MacAnthony said: "I came out with some silly things last time which I regret but we have always had a lot of respect for each other.

"I gave him his first shot as a manager and he gave me back-to-back promotions.

"We started a project together and we can now finish it together.

"It's been a rocky 15 months since Darren departed. Our hardcore fans will be delighted that Darren is back," concluded Darragh MacAnthony.