Aston Villa loanee Josh Feeney faces manager change

Aston Villa defender Josh Feeney faces a change of manager at Peterborough United less than a month into his season-long loan.

Peterborough dismissed Luke Williams following Saturday’s 2-0 home defeat to Doncaster Rovers, with Feeney completing another 90 minutes in central defence.

Sky Sports reported Williams’ departure after the result left Posh 23rd in League One with one league victory this season.

For Villa, the immediate question is whether Feeney can maintain the regular football he has secured since leaving Bodymoor Heath.

Josh Feeney spoke following the 2-1 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday, taking the positives from the performance and dissecting the two goals conceded.

Watch full interview on Posh+ 👉 https://t.co/2DyZ92h7Qy

Post match interviews bought to you by EMR Renders & Wallcoatings#pufc pic.twitter.com/Ge6nr9l2GY
— Peterborough United (@theposh) September 5, 2026

Josh Feeney earns regular minutes on Aston Villa loan

The 21-year-old joined Peterborough at the end of August, with our report on his season-long loan move outlining the next step in his development.

He has quickly established himself in the starting side.

Opta’s player record lists four League One appearances and 360 minutes this season, including the full match against Doncaster.

Those opportunities give Villa a consistent body of senior football to assess, even during a difficult period for his temporary club.

The managerial change introduces uncertainty over selection and tactical demands. It does not, however, mean Feeney will automatically lose his place.

Maintaining those minutes will be his immediate priority.

Tommi O’Reilly emerges on winning side

Saturday’s match also brought Feeney up against another Villa loanee.

Tommi O’Reilly came off Doncaster’s bench in the 73rd minute, with Sky’s team sheet confirming his appearance.

Alfie May had given Rovers an early lead before Isaac Hutchinson secured the victory late on.

The result therefore produced contrasting afternoons for two players whose progress Villa continue to monitor away from the club.

Our Aston Villa academy hub follows the wider picture of youth development and loan performances.

For Feeney, the value of the move still rests on playing regularly and developing through senior competition. His opening weeks have delivered the minutes. The next challenge is retaining that responsibility through a change in management.