Savage Stands Firm Amid Criticism of Commentary Work

Peterborough United is currently facing a tough patch, going winless in their last six outings across all competitions. Their recent 5-0 defeat at home to Reading in the FA Cup has intensified scrutiny on manager Robbie Savage. Savage, who took the reins on October 2, enjoyed a bright start with two consecutive victories. However, the team has stumbled since then, drawing twice and losing twice, leaving them languishing at 22nd in the League One standings. Despite criticism of his work as a co-commentator and pundit, Savage dismissed it as a narrative that arises when the team is not winning. Just days before the heavy cup loss, he contributed his insights on TNT's broadcasts for matches featuring AEK Athens versus Real Madrid and Oxford City against Leicester City. The 52-year-old has also been active on BBC Radio 5 Live, hosting the 606 show, although he skipped the post-match discussions last weekend. Savage emphasized his unwavering commitment to Peterborough, stating he is "the first one in and the last one to leave" at the training ground. The Posh's recent form has been disappointing, especially after a promising 3-1 triumph against Leicester City on October 10. They also faced an early exit from the EFL Cup against Bradford City on October 27, further compounding their struggles. Having played for clubs like Derby County and Birmingham City, Savage took over from Luke Williams after managing Forest Green Rovers and Macclesfield. He expressed his deep passion for football, saying, "It’s my life. It’s what I love doing. I’m not someone who goes home and sits in front of the TV or has hobbies outside of football." Savage is committed to staying connected with the grassroots of the sport, often attending local matches and paying for admission. "I want to give back to grassroots football clubs," he explained. "It hurts me when we lose, but the focus should be on winning games. That’s what ultimately matters." In Savage's view, success on the pitch would silence all doubts and criticisms. "Let's win games, and then all the narratives will fade away," he concluded.