Doncaster Rovers win over Peterborough United proves to be final straw as Posh dismiss Luke Williams

Peterborough United have parted with manager Luke Williams following their 2-0 defeat to Doncaster Rovers.

Posh have endured a tough start to the season and sit 23rd in the League One table after just one win across their opening seven games.

Pressure was mounting on Williams and the Posh board decided to act after he oversaw a loss to Doncaster at the Weston Homes Stadium earlier today (September 19).

Peterborough United axe Luke Williams after defeat to Doncaster Rovers

A club spokesperson said: “Peterborough United Football Club has today parted company with first-team manager Luke Williams.

“On behalf of everyone at the Football Club, we would like to place on record our thanks to Luke for all his efforts during his time at the Weston Homes Stadium. This is not a decision the club has taken lightly.

“However, the team's form in League One has not matched the board's expectations, particularly given the significant investment made in the squad, and following today's performance against Doncaster Rovers the board felt it had no other choice but to make a change.

“The club's existing coaching staff will take charge of the first team squad while the board considers its next steps.”

Grant McCann on Doncaster Rovers victory

Alfie May opened the scoring for Rovers, who made sure of victory late on via Isaac Hutchinson.

Doncaster manager Grant McCann, a former Peterborough boss himself, said: “I thought it was a good away performance. We defended really well, looked strong from a defensive point of view against a talented front four from Peterborough.

“To limit them to no shots on our goal, Tommy [Simkin] hasn’t had a save to make, maybe some shots from distance that flew over the bar, but we never felt really in any danger.

“We defended mostly everything that they threw at us and then we scored two really good goals. The first one’s an excellent goal, good bit of play, great run from Leon and a lovely weight of pass to find Alfie.

“The second one, again, a lovely bit of play from Jordan and to find Hutchinson and another goal, so perfect away performance, clean sheet, three points, couldn’t have asked for much more.

“We just want to take a bit of pressure off the back line, and by doing that you score goals and the defenders defend a bit better and you’ve got something to hold on to.

“That was the remit today, the remit was that we’ve got a bit of a break after this, we don’t have a game for three weeks so it was important that we send our fans home happy.”