Darren Ferguson's Peterborough return confirmed

Darren Ferguson lead Peterborough to successive promotions during his last tenure (GETTY IMAGES)

Peterborough have confirmed the return of Darren Ferguson as their new manager.

Ferguson, 38, replaces Gary Johnson at the helm at London Road - where he enjoyed back-to-back promotions before leaving in November 2009.

Johnson left the npower League One club on Monday night after disagreements with chairman Darragh MacAnthony and Posh have decided to re-appoint one of the most successful managers in their history.

Ferguson, who has signed a four-and-a-half-year contract, was dismissed by Preston North End just after Christmas but has the chance to take Posh up for a third time after they moved back into the play-off places with a 2-1 win over Brentford last night.

MacAnthony hopes Ferguson can restore stability at the club.

The chairman said: "I asked him to come to the game last night and he has signed for four-and-a-half years. Let's make the magic happen again.

"I haven't enjoyed owning the football club over the last 18 months or so and I hope this can change that.

"We have both realised that the grass isn't always greener."