Robbie Savage appointed as new Forest Green Rovers manager

Forest Green Rovers have confirmed the appointment of Robbie Savage as the club's manager.

Following the sacking of former head coach Steve Cotterill, former Premier League midfielder Robbie Savage has been named the club's new manager.

A club statement read:

Forest Green Rovers are delighted to announce that Robbie Savage has been appointed as the club’s new first team manager.

"Savage starts work immediately and will take training at the Candriam Training Centre this afternoon (Tuesday 1st July)."

Having enjoyed a 27-year professional playing career, representing the likes of Leicester, Brimingham and Derby County, Savage has been exposed to the other side of football in more recent years.

Initially appointed as a member of the board at former football league side Macclesfield Town, Savage made his first official step into management, appointed head coach on 17th June 2024.

In winning the Northern Premier League, Savage earned promotion to the National League North, as the club look to get back to where they were prior to their forced liquidation.

It was undoubtedly an impressive start to management for Savage, but there will be increased pressure upon his arrival at Forest Green Rovers.

Rovers crashed out in the semi-finals of the National League play-offs to Southend United in the 2024/25 campaign, though they never appeared to get close to automatic promotion contenders Barnet or York City.

Heading into the new campaign under Savage, Forest Green Rovers are third favourites to win the National League as they look to return to the Football League after being relegated from League Two in the 2023/24 campaign.

Upon his appointment, Savage said: "I feel I have an opportunity to develop a squad to create an attacking brand of football - an aggressive form of football to try and get Forest Green back into the EFL.

"I want a fast, exciting style but the most important thing is to win games."

Ellis Statham

• National League
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