Savage defended over media work amid Posh slump

Robbie Savage’s commitment to his role as Peterborough United manager has been defended amid growing fan criticism. The Posh boss has come under fire for continuing with his media duties despite the League One club’s poor recent form.

Savage’s side have failed to win any of their last six matches in all competitions since his tenure started with back-to-back victories. A third successive defeat came on Saturday as Peterborough were thrashed 5-0 at home by Reading in the first round of the FA Cup.

The 52-year-old provided co-commentary during the Champions League clash between AEK Athens and Real Madrid on Wednesday, and was then on punditry duty for Friday’s FA Cup tie between Oxford City and Leicester City on the eve of Posh’s clash with Reading. His TV appearances led some fans to claim he had not been at training since Tuesday.

However, Adrian Durham has shut down those suggestions, writing on social media: “Fans can question what they want, no problem with that, but they need to get their facts right first. Saying he’s missed training and that he was in Athens are two complete lies.” Savage did not travel to Greece to cover Real Madrid’s win in Athens, instead providing commentary from a studio in the UK.

Gabby Agbonlahor admitted: “I think for me, when it’s all going rosy and you’re winning games, no one’s going to talk about it. But when you are losing games and you lose 5-0, you’re not a manager that’s working in the National League, you’re working in League One, Peterborough. I feel like you have to give up your media gigs that you’ve got.”

Peterborough find themselves 22nd in the League One table and two points from safety, and are set to return to action in the EFL Trophy against Luton Town on November 17.