Peterborough United Director of Football Barry Fry was delighted with the appointment of Gary Johnson as manager and insisted that it was a massive 'coup' for the football club.

Johnson has penned a two-year deal at London Road and will take charge of his first game on Saturday when Leicester City visit.

Fry, who introduced Johnson at the press conference, said: 'After back to back promotions, it was a sad day yesterday for everyone connected with Peterborough United Football Club when we were relegated from the Coca-Cola Championship.

'However, today's appointment of Gary Johnson as the new manager is arguably the best decision this club has made in its 75-year history.

'The appointment has shook the world of football and is sensational news for all Posh players and fans. Gary is a true football man with great managerial experience, who is also very loyal and widely respected throughout the game.

'I have known Gary for 20 years, my first dealings with him was when I bought Liam Daish and Steve Claridge from Cambridge United.

'Gary then moved to Watford as Academy Director before Graham Taylor promoted him as coach. Watford were very successful in his time there. He then went abroad to manage the Latvian international team.

'In the last 10 years, Gary's record is second to none. He returned to the country to manage Yeovil for five years, winning the FA Trophy final at Wembley before winning the Conference and taking Yeovil into the Football League. He also won promotions with the club and then Bristol City came in and paid compensation for his services.

'He rewarded Bristol City with promotion to the Championship and got them to the Championship play-off final and was only 90 minutes away from the Premier League.

'We have to thank Darragh MacAnthony for this appointment. The chairman's passion and commitment is amazing and he has shown his ambition and determination to try and give Gary every opportunity to gain promotion back to the Championship,' Fry said.