Steve Evans, the man who managed Peterborough United for 11 months before being sacked in 2019, has come out in public support of Robbie Savage as the next head coach at London Road, saying the former Wales midfielder has the personality the club has always thrived on.

Savage is reportedly set to leave Forest Green Rovers for Peterborough, and Evans told the BBC's 72+ EFL podcast that he had been speaking to Savage directly as the ex-midfielder carries out his due diligence on the role.

"I've been speaking to Robbie quite a lot in the past few days," Evans said. "He's trying to do his homework, his diligence, on what Darragh is like, what Barry Fry is like, other than the character everyone sees via the media. He is trying to understand a bit more about the club."

A seat at the table for five candidates

Evans, who now manages Bristol Rovers, shed light on how the recruitment process unfolded after Luke Williams was dismissed following the defeat to Doncaster Rovers. According to Evans, director of football Barry Fry told him there had been five candidates interviewed for the position, and one name stood out from the rest.

"My understanding from other people is that Robbie's enthusiasm stood out a million percent," Evans said. "For me it's a club that needs a character. Darren Ferguson was a character, Grant McCann was a character. I tried to be. They need someone and I think that's probably where Darragh's edging to."

Evans also offered some perspective on the outgoing Williams, noting that chairman MacAnthony had shown "more patience" with the departing head coach than he had shown to Evans himself when the Scot was let go six years ago. It is a point that underlines just how much the club's expectations have shifted, and how quickly results are demanded at a League One side with genuine promotion ambitions.

Can two big personalities coexist?

The obvious question hanging over any potential Savage appointment is whether his public profile and forthright manner can sit comfortably alongside a chairman as vocal and visible as MacAnthony. Evans, who experienced that relationship first-hand, is confident it can work, but he does not pretend it will be straightforward.

"I think it'll work," Evans said. "I've worked for Darragh, he's a hard guy for sure, but I think the personality element will work. He's one of those chairmen you can have a row with, it's how you put that opinion across. You have to do it respectful. It won't be once or twice, it'll be more than that."

Evans also highlighted the role that Fry plays in making the day-to-day management of the club function smoothly, arguing that the long-serving director of football acts as a buffer between the dugout and the boardroom. "People underestimate the role that Barry plays," he said. "He protects you on a bad day from the chairman."

What it means for Peterborough's League One season

Peterborough arrive at this managerial crossroads at a critical point in their League One campaign. The club have consistently been considered among the stronger squads in the third tier, and any prolonged period of uncertainty in the dugout risks derailing a season that many supporters believe should end in promotion.

Evans, who describes himself as a Posh fan who still lives in the city, is clear about what he believes Savage is walking into. "He gets into League One and a wonderful opportunity," he said. "Robbie has to work hard to make that relationship work because it's Darragh's club."

That framing, a wonderful opportunity that requires hard work and a thick skin, will resonate with supporters who have watched a succession of managers either flourish or flame out at London Road. If the appointment goes ahead as reported, Savage will need to hit the ground running in a division where results move quickly and patience, as Evans can attest, is never in unlimited supply.

Frequently asked

Has Robbie Savage been appointed Peterborough manager?
As of the latest reports, Savage has been offered the role and is reportedly set to leave Forest Green Rovers for London Road, but no formal appointment has been confirmed. Steve Evans says Savage's enthusiasm stood out during the interview process.
Why did Peterborough sack Luke Williams?
Luke Williams was dismissed following a defeat to Doncaster Rovers. Steve Evans noted that chairman Darragh MacAnthony had actually shown more patience with Williams than he had shown to Evans himself when Evans was let go in 2019.
Who is Darragh MacAnthony and what is his role at Peterborough?
Darragh MacAnthony is the long-standing chairman of Peterborough United, having been at the club for around 20 years. He is known as a hands-on and vocal chairman, and Steve Evans says managers need to be able to handle robust, direct conversations with him.