After victory over his old club, Preston North End boss Darren Ferguson has hit back at his former Peterborough United chairman Darragh MacAnthony.

Ferguson, who guided Posh to two successive promotions, made an acrimonious exit in November and received a good reception from home fans, but he followed up his first success as North End boss by slamming claims from MacAnthony that he had been guilty of unsettling Posh players since leaving the club.

"I am not happy about what was said and have to defend myself against allegations of tapping up the Peterborough players and other items," said Ferguson.

"I got the club into the Championship for the second time in 75 years and we should just leave it like that.

"It seems like they are trying to ruin my reputation. I wish I didn't have to talk about those comments but I'm sure people appreciate my need to give my reaction.

"It is obviously to get my first win as Preston manager. It is always important to get the first one on the board.

"I hope Posh stay up for the fans, the players and their manager Mark Cooper, but it will be hard for them."