“This appointment isn’t about what league we are in or recent poor results but about creating an identity for our club for years to come,” MacAnthony added.

“Our club has an incredible academy, talented young players in our first team squad and the goal is always the same; play exciting attacking football, develop our young talent, recruit and develop the gems others miss, compete with the ‘big boys’, win promotions, trophies and become financially sustainable and a well-run football club that our fans feel constant pride in supporting.”

Williams began his managerial career at Swindon Town in 2015 but was sacked following relegation to League Two at the end of the 2016-17 season.

He took over at then National League club Notts County in the summer of 2022 and they achieved a club-record 107 points in his first full season, winning promotion back to the English Football League via a penalty shootout win over Chesterfield at Wembley.

Williams stepped up two divisions when he was appointed by Swansea in January 2024 but lasted only 13 months in south Wales and left following a run of seven Championship defeats in nine games.

He will be assisted at Peterborough by Ryan Harley, who worked with Williams at Notts County and Swansea.

“I spoke to the chairman and to (director of football) Barry (Fry) as well – it really feels a good fit for us all,” Williams said.

“I had really good conversations with Darragh, it made me feel enthused and (that it was) an opportunity I couldn’t afford to miss.”