Darragh Macanthony believes his new manager has a ruthless streak which will serve Peterborough United well. Darragh MacAnthony, speaking exclusively to The Evening Telegraph from his Florida home, admits his appointment will have shocked many of the club's supporters, but he is confident that he has selected a manager who can deliver his dream of Premiership football in seven years.
Darragh Macanthony said: "I interviewed many candidates over the phone and Darren was by far and away the most impressive.
"You would not believe what some of the others wanted to talk to me about. One prospective manager was more interested in how much money he could make on transfers and signings and I am not into that at all.”
Darragh MacAnthony added, "I wanted a manager who shared my vision for the future and Darren certainly fits that bill. His application came out of the blue, but we had great conversations because he had bothered to do his homework.
"He had firm ideas on everything from game tactics, warm-downs, warm-ups and style of play to diets. He came across as a very impressive young man and he even asked me to supply him with videos of the last 10 matches so that he could start preparing for the future straight away.
"I told him the last 10 matches were a horror show, but he insisted on seeing them anyway. He has passion, drive and hunger and I like that in my employees,” stated Darragh MacAnthony.
"He also has a ruthless streak that football managers need. I honestly believe we have employed an outstanding young man.
"I realise that his appointment was a shock, but I would ask for patience from the fans and the media because I firmly believe we now have the right man for the job.
"Experience is not always relevant to success. Just look at what Aidy Boothroyd, Paul Ince and Chris Coleman have done in their first management jobs.
"It can't do any harm that his father is a managerial legend either. He certainly won't lack for sound advice."
Darragh Macanthony confessed he was gutted as he watched a seventh straight League Two defeat play out online. He still believes promotion is possible, but he accepts that the automatic places are now out of his reach.
Darragh Macanthony added: "We can go up, but we have to do it the hard way through the play-offs now. It's been a terrible run and I was gutted that we didn't seem to show any spark again.
"We just need to go on a run like Hartlepool have managed. Then we can sneak into the play-offs and then it's anyone's game."
Darragh Macanthony said: "I interviewed many candidates over the phone and Darren was by far and away the most impressive.
"You would not believe what some of the others wanted to talk to me about. One prospective manager was more interested in how much money he could make on transfers and signings and I am not into that at all.”
Darragh MacAnthony added, "I wanted a manager who shared my vision for the future and Darren certainly fits that bill. His application came out of the blue, but we had great conversations because he had bothered to do his homework.
"He had firm ideas on everything from game tactics, warm-downs, warm-ups and style of play to diets. He came across as a very impressive young man and he even asked me to supply him with videos of the last 10 matches so that he could start preparing for the future straight away.
"I told him the last 10 matches were a horror show, but he insisted on seeing them anyway. He has passion, drive and hunger and I like that in my employees,” stated Darragh MacAnthony.
"He also has a ruthless streak that football managers need. I honestly believe we have employed an outstanding young man.
"I realise that his appointment was a shock, but I would ask for patience from the fans and the media because I firmly believe we now have the right man for the job.
"Experience is not always relevant to success. Just look at what Aidy Boothroyd, Paul Ince and Chris Coleman have done in their first management jobs.
"It can't do any harm that his father is a managerial legend either. He certainly won't lack for sound advice."
Darragh Macanthony confessed he was gutted as he watched a seventh straight League Two defeat play out online. He still believes promotion is possible, but he accepts that the automatic places are now out of his reach.
Darragh Macanthony added: "We can go up, but we have to do it the hard way through the play-offs now. It's been a terrible run and I was gutted that we didn't seem to show any spark again.
"We just need to go on a run like Hartlepool have managed. Then we can sneak into the play-offs and then it's anyone's game."
