Ferguson enjoys his Fry-up

DARREN FERGUSON marked his landmark day in style as his Peterborough side saw off 10-man Birmingham.

Ferguson spoke of his pride after bossing Posh for the 492nd time – more than any other manager at the club.

And he celebrated with a much-needed win that was kick-started by Harlee Dean’s own goal and wrapped up with a Jonson Clarke-harris penalty and Jorge Grant strike.

Birmingham’s misery was complete when a reckless challenge from Gary Gardner on Nathan Thompson saw the Blues midfielder receive a straight red card in the 65th minute.

Ferguson passed Barry Fry’s record – and doesn’t think the new mark will be beaten. He said: “It’s a proud moment because it’s not an easy thing to do, to manage that many games, and surpass the legend that Barry is. “Throughout my 34-year football career, this is the football club that has brought me the most success, it means a lot to me.

“It’s brought me so much joy, I think it’ll be a difficult record to break, it might be the one that lasts forever.” Ferguson also heaped praise on Siriki Dembele, who had a hand in two goals.

The manager added: “The boy is a brilliant talent, he makes it look easy, he caused them all sorts of problems, he just needs consistency.”

Blues boss Lee Bowyer bemoaned his side’s lack of energy and said: “It’s not acceptable, they had the extra day’s rest and it showed, they were first to every ball and sharper.

“We were a yard off everything, and we just couldn’t physically do everything that we’re good at.

“Three games in one week was just too much, we’ve got to recharge our batteries and try to put things right.”