The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
Darragh resurfaces to blast back at his critics
Peterborough United chairman Darragh MacAnthony has hit back at critics who suggested he had been ‘hiding’ since sacking manager Steve Evans last month.
MacAnthony dismissed Evans and his assistant Paul Raynor after a 0-0 draw against Charlton at the ABAX Stadium on January 26 and flew back to the family home in the United States the following day.
He made no comment on his decision to replace Evans with Darren Ferguson before issuing a statement on his Twitter account seven days later.
He still hasn’t explained the reasoning behind the managerial switch leading many fans to suggest there was a personality clash between the chairman and Evans.
MacAnthony did however explain why transfer deadline day was slow at Posh. Financial fairplay rules restricted Posh to just the signing of Leicester City centre-back Josh Knight on loan.
MacAnthony said: “A lot of people have been coming at me aggressively about hiding and not speaking etc.
“So just for clarification purposes, I am back home in the States with my wife and three children who I hadn’t seen for a few weeks.
“They now get all my attention as, no disrespect, but they come first and are more important than those coming at me on here (Twitter).
“The football club made a decision last week which we felt was the right one for the three owners, the players and staff at the club.
“We wish Steve Evans and Paul Raynor all the best, but that chapter is closed and we are thankful for all their efforts.
“I have no doubt they will bounce back into management sooner rather than later. You won’t find me saying anything negative about them or their time at our club.
“Now in regards to transfer deadline day and moans over a lack of business.
“Due to the club signing 24 players so far this season (five in January alone) financial fairplay did not allow us to bring more in, but Darren Ferguson is perfectly happy with what he has to work with for the next 15 games.
“Myself and my amazing co-owners only have the best intentions for your club and are doing our best for all of you on and off the pitch long term.
“It’s not going to happen overnight, there will be bumps (and red cards) along the way, but we have a chance this season & haven’t given up on it, nor have the players.
“If we fall short, then I shall shoulder that responsibility and most certainly won’t be hiding from that or any bad results or issue.
“That’s not my style as those who know me can attest to. I made a conscious decision to chill from social media for a couple of weeks and enjoy my family.
“Apologies if that doesn’t work for some on here but that’s life!”