Darren Ferguson Emerges As Clear Favourite For Salford City Job

Darren Ferguson has emerged as the clear front-runner to become Salford City's next manager, with the League Two club close to agreeing a deal with the experienced Scot, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

The former Peterborough United boss has been battling it out with ex-Manchester United star Phil Neville and highly-rated former Stockport County manager Dave Challinor to replace the departed Karl Robinson.

But Ferguson has now moved into pole position and is expected to be handed the reins at the Peninsula Stadium as Salford look to end their wait for promotion to League One finally.

The Ammies were left devastated after missing out on promotion through this season's League Two play-offs, extending their stay in the fourth tier despite the ambitious plans that have surrounded the club since their rapid rise through the non-league ranks.

Backed by members of Manchester United's famous Class of '92, Salford have invested heavily in their quest to climb the football pyramid. 

DISAPPOINTMENT

Yet promotion to League One has continued to elude them, prompting a change in the dugout after another campaign ended in disappointment.

For much of the search, Challinor was viewed as one of the leading contenders. The former Stockport boss, who impressively has never completed a full managerial season outside the play-off places, had also emerged as the front-runner for the vacant Blackburn Rovers job and was widely expected to make the move to Ewood Park.

However, in a surprise twist, Rovers turned back to former manager Tony Mowbray last week, ending Challinor's hopes of landing the Championship role.

SportsBoom understands that, with Challinor heavily involved in Blackburn's process for much of Salford's search, Ferguson gradually rose to the top of the League Two club's shortlist and has now become the preferred candidate to succeed Robinson.

The 54-year-old is regarded as one of the most successful managers in Peterborough United's history following four separate spells in charge at London Road. 

During his time with Posh, Ferguson built a reputation as one of the EFL's most effective promotion specialists, achieving five promotions as a manager and twice leading Peterborough to Wembley glory.

MULTIPLE TRIUMPHS

He guided the club to back-to-back EFL Trophy triumphs in 2024 and 2025, further cementing his status as a modern legend among the Peterborough faithful.

Ferguson's fourth stint at Peterborough came to an end in October 2025 when he was sacked following a poor start to the League One campaign. 

Despite that disappointing exit, his reputation remains strong, and Salford's hierarchy believes his proven track record makes him the ideal candidate to deliver promotion.

The son of legendary Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, the former midfielder has also managed Preston North End and Doncaster Rovers during a coaching career spanning nearly two decades.

After a prolonged spell out of football, Ferguson is understood to be desperate for a return to the dugout and eager to prove he can still deliver success at the highest level of the EFL. He has also been heavily linked with the vacant Leicester City job; however, the former Premier League champions appear to be turning to Russell Martin. 

His experience of handling pressure, developing players and building promotion-winning sides is believed to have impressed Salford's decision-makers throughout the recruitment process.

Now, barring any last-minute contract problems, Ferguson appears poised to land the job as Salford look to make another statement of intent and finally secure the League One promotion that has so far remained frustratingly out of reach.