Former Wales international Robbie Savage has been named manager of National League side Forest Green Rovers, signing a four-year contract. The 50-year-old, who led Macclesfield FC to the Northern Premier League title in his sole season as a manager, replaces Steve Cotterill. Savage acknowledged scepticism over his limited managerial experience but expressed confidence in his ability to win over fans.
“I know there will be a bit of scepticism because I’ve only had one year in management,” Savage said. “I know I will have to win fans over. But I’m not scared of that. I got released from the biggest football club in the world [Manchester United] at 19, told I wasn’t good enough. But I’ve always proved people wrong because I’ve got a great work ethic.”
Savage’s connection to Forest Green began when his son Charlie joined the club on loan in January 2023. He sat alongside owner Dale Vince at matches and witnessed Charlie’s performances, including a goal against Bristol Rovers. Forest Green also recently appointed Mark Bowen, Savage’s former Wales teammate, as director of football.
Vince defended the appointment, saying: “Robbie is not a high-profile manager, he is a high-profile person. The media keep saying to me: ‘He has only managed at Macclesfield, does that worry you?’ It is a valid question but, no, it doesn’t.” Savage plans to relocate to the Cotswolds and aims to lead the club back to the English Football League.
