Posh announce Dave Robertson’s replacement
Peterborough United Football Club have announced Graham Westley as their new manager following the dismissal of Dave Robertson.
The former-Stevenage and Preston North End boss was unveiled by the Posh this afternoon, alongside the club’s chief executive Bob Symms and director of football Barry Fry.
Darragh MacAnthony, the club chairman, wasn’t present at the conference due to work reasons in America, but Symms read out a statement from the vocal owner.
Westley arrives at the ABAX Stadium following Robertson‘s dismissal earlier this season, after leaving the club 18th in League One following a poor start to the new campaign.
Former-player Grant McCann has taken charge of Posh’s last two games, guiding them to four points, including an emphatic 5-1 win away at Oldham Athletic.
The Northern Irishman will be staying on at the club as part of the coaching team.
Westley has been in the stands for the past three games watching his new side and how they play, and after flying out to America to meet MacAnthony, the job was offered to him but the length of the contract has yet to be revealed.
The club’s chairman released a formal statement which has since been released on Peterborough‘s official website.
Club Statement
Part of the statement read:Â “Today we welcome Graham Westley as the new manager of Peterborough United Football Club after what has been an extensive interview process with some excellent candidates.
“I’ve spent the last 10 days getting to know Graham inside out and not only did we have a phenomenal one on one interview here in Florida, but we have spoken every day since Graham returned to the UK as I took my time making the final decision.
“Before we ever spoke or met, I read all the various things written about Graham’s time at Preston, his apparent preference in style of football and his apparent obsession with fitness and physicality over style, flair and fast free flowing football. To judge somebody on the views of others is something I’m never prepared to do without meeting and judging for myself.
“I myself am often judged on some of the ludicrous nonsense written about me online or by people with agendas against me. Graham has a burning desire to win, succeed and add to his previous success which includes multiple promotions, league titles and multiple cup wins at Wembley not to mention a near 50% win record.”
MacAnthony ended the statement by putting to bed rumours that Posh will play a ‘hoof-ball’ style of football due to the appointment of Westley.
He added: “And finally let me state simply that I will never as Chairman of this football club sit back and watch what could be described as hoof ball or direct and ugly uninspiring football. So understand that Graham Westley is clear on his objectives, what I want and the job that needs to be done at our club and quickly.
“I am genuinely excited with this appointment and am looking forward to Graham showing our fans why I hired him above many others as our new manager.
“Thank you for your time and Keep It Posh …”
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt
