Peterborough United’s new manager, Robbie Savage, is eagerly anticipating his first league game in charge of the Posh. The former Forest Green Rovers boss took over at London Road at the beginning of October, securing victory in his first game in the Jersey Mike’s Trophy against Ipswich Town U21s by a scoreline of 4–1.
Savage’s bid to lift Peterborough out of the relegation places in League One begins at his former club, Leicester City. Robbie spent five years as a player with the Foxes before departing for Birmingham City in 2002, following Leicester’s relegation and subsequent administration. It is these circumstances, dating back over two decades, that Savage believes will make his reception from the home supporters somewhat frosty.
When interviewed about Saturday’s game at the King Power Stadium, Savage declared: “I don’t think I’ll get the greatest reception, but I don’t really care.” The former midfielder played the role of pantomime villain on his return to Leicester with Birmingham City during the 2003–04 season, when he kissed the club badge on his shirt in front of the home supporters. Birmingham would go on to beat nine-man Leicester 2–0, with Savage assisting the second goal.
The new manager in the away dugout may not be the sole focus of the home crowd’s wrath. Leicester’s supporters have endured a frustrating start to Russell Martin’s tenure this season, with one fan even confronting the manager following a midweek 2–1 defeat away at Stevenage. Part of Martin’s response to the supporter’s frustrations was to state: “You got promoted with Enzo (Maresca); you’ve been s**t since then.”
Leicester’s ownership continues to look for a buyer, with the club still up for sale. It is a situation that Robbie Savage can identify with, as his move to Birmingham came about as a result of financial trouble at Leicester. After leaving Birmingham, Savage went on to play for Blackburn Rovers and Derby County before finishing his career at Stockport County.
After retiring, Savage moved into punditry and enjoyed a short spell on the dance floor with Strictly Come Dancing. He eventually returned to the green grass he once knew, although this time he would be on the other side of the touchline. The managerial role at Macclesfield Town, a club in which Robbie had acquired part-ownership, became Savage’s in 2024 following a successful spell as caretaker manager in 2023.
Savage guided Macclesfield to the National League North before departing for Forest Green Rovers. Now, after a year in charge at The Lawn, Savage is back in the Football League, tasked with keeping Peterborough in League One. Will the new-manager bounce produce a first league victory for Savage, or will it be Leicester who are dancing at full-time?