Peterborough United: Grant McCann appointed manager

Grant McCann (right) worked as assistant manager under Graham Westley (left) at Peterborough

Peterborough United have appointed former player Grant McCann as their new manager on a four-year deal.

The 36-year-old had been in caretaker charge following Graham Westley's departure on 23 April, leading the Posh to victories in each of their final two League One games of the season.

McCann made 185 appearances in four and a half years as a player for the club.

The ex-midfielder becomes chairman Darragh MacAnthony's eighth managerial appointment since January 2007.

"This is not a quick fix," MacAnthony told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire. "This is the right decision for the football club. Grant is ready to give everything he's got to win promotion."

McCann first joined Peterborough in 2010, and immediately helped the club win promotion to the Championship via the play-offs the following May.

"It's a proud moment for me," said McCann. "I've been here six years now and enjoyed every single minute of it. Pressure seemed to bring the best out of me as a player, and hopefully it will do the same as a manager.

"Promotion is definitely the aim. We want to get out of this league as soon as possible and, with a few squad additions, we'll be serious contenders."

After scoring 35 goals Peterborough, McCann left Posh for a brief spell at Linfield in 2015, before returning having made just one appearance for the Belfast-based club.

The former Northern Ireland international has also earned 39 caps and scored four goals for his country.