Peterborough Reshapes Coaching Staff After Savage Appointment

Peterborough United has begun reshaping its first-team staff following Robbie Savage's appointment as manager, confirming the immediate departures of assistant manager Ryan Harley and first-team coach Connell Rawlinson on October 9, 2026. Goalkeeping coach Richard Taylor and head of sports science Ian Hutton have also left following the change in management, according to the club's official announcement.

The changes mark an early adjustment under Savage, who has taken charge after Peterborough parted company with Luke Williams following just seven games. The club said further appointments to its first-team staff would be announced in due course.

Peterborough thanked the departing coaches for their contributions and wished them well for the future. Savage also acknowledged Harley and Rawlinson for helping him settle into the role during his first days at the club.

"I want to thank Ryan and Connell for the way they welcomed me and helped me during the last few days and contributed to Tuesday night's win over Ipswich Town Under 21s. I wish Ryan and Connell all the best for the future." Savage said.

The staffing changes came as EFL pundit Don Goodman assessed the managerial switch, expressing surprise at Williams' departure while arguing that Savage's preferred style could suit Peterborough's established footballing identity.

Goodman said the decision to dismiss Williams was unexpected because chairman Darragh MacAnthony had spoken positively about the former head coach before the campaign began. Williams' tenure ended after seven matches amid a difficult start to the season.

"It's never boring at Peterborough when you've got Barry Fry and Darragh MacAnthony. They are real characters," Goodman said.

He described the club's situation as concerning and pointed to the contrast between the expectations established during the summer and the decision to make another managerial change so early in the campaign.

"Look, Peterborough are in dire straits, and I'm really surprised in truth. Big things were expected this season, particularly by Darragh MacAnthony, the owner.

"Coming into the season, I was listening to the radio, where he appears on a regular basis, and he was waxing lyrical about Luke Williams, their head coach at the time, praising how good he was.

"So it's a bit surprising that after seven games, Luke Williams is sacked."

Goodman contrasted those expectations with Savage's previous work at Forest Green Rovers, where the manager guided the team into the National League playoffs before they lost to Boreham Wood.

"They've decided a different direction is needed," Goodman explained.

He highlighted Savage's achievements during the previous campaign as evidence of his managerial credentials, despite Forest Green falling short of promotion.

"Robbie Savage did well last season at Forest Green Rovers; he got them into the playoffs before losing to a very good team in Boreham Wood, who are currently running away with the National League.

"So that's how good they are."

Goodman identified attacking football as a central reason Savage could be a suitable appointment at Peterborough, where supporters and club executives have traditionally expected an expansive approach.

"I think the Peterborough DNA is an attractive, attacking style of play, and that's what the Peterborough hierarchy and fans have been used to over the last 15, 20 years," Goodman added.

He also distinguished between the club's expectations and the performances produced during Williams' short spell, while stopping short of claiming the former manager opposed attacking football.

"I think the big attraction for Darragh MacAnthony with regards to Robbie Savage is that Robbie wants to play that style of football.

"I'm not saying Luke Williams didn't, but it wasn't obvious in the opening seven games. So yeah, good luck to Robbie."

Savage's previous managerial record also includes his work at Macclesfield, where the team recorded 109 points and 109 goals to win the NPL Premier title during his first season in management. He subsequently took charge of Forest Green in the summer of 2025 and guided the club to seventh place before its playoff defeat to Boreham Wood.

Peterborough has yet to announce replacements for the four departing members of its first-team staff, confirming that new appointments will be made in due course.