Relentless Forest Green boss Robbie Savage is searching for fresh faces in the January transfer window.
In pursuit of the National League title, Savage wants to bolster his attacking options but is facing a fight to nail down his targets: “We’re in conversation with one or two, but we’ve got competition from league clubs for those players,” revealed Savage.
“It’s going to be down to the individual. We had permission from a club to speak to one. Those conversations have taken place. Hopefully, that player will decide to choose us. Once again, backed by Dale Vince. A lot of work and research, data goes into profiles. But the player has a few options and hopefully will be the right option for that player.”
Listen to Robbie Savage’s unabridged press conference at Rovers’ training ground on Christmas Eve
Loving life at Rovers, Savage takes his high-flying side to Brackley Town on Boxing Day in rude health.
Sitting second in a congested National League table, Savage is beaming as his side enter the busy festive period. The Rovers’ boss lavished praise on the team’s consistency and cohesion. “To be ahead of Carlisle, Southend, York at this point is quite remarkable as a new group – we should have been top with the points dropped Braintree, Boston, Solihull at home and the big one was Rochdale when we got it wrong on the day as a group.
“The biggest surprise is Carlisle aren’t away and clear. Everybody thinks Forest Green should be up there. Lots of people’s predictions were 5th or 6th this season because of a new, inexperienced manager like myself, because of the amount of players we’ve brought in. So for us to be second – it’s a testament to what we’re doing as a football club,” he said.
Savage is a hard taskmaster but is clearly satisfied with Rovers’ start to the season and believes Rochdale and York are the big threat: “To lose two games from 23 is an incredible achievement so far. Listen, we’ve got a chance. For me, Rochdale and York are the two. Boreham Wood, They’ve been so brilliant. I can’t take my hat off to Luke (Garrard) enough what they’ve done. Scunthorpe, getting two teams promoted, they’ve got a chance to win the league. But right now, if you’re thinking about it, Rochdale, Jimmy’s (McNulty) done an incredible job, and York, if you can finish above those two, you’ll win the league.”
Savage highlighted both achievements and areas for improvement, focusing on shooting and finishing. “It’s not rocket science. We should be over 60 goals with the chances we’ve created. The lads are so together. Morale is brilliant. They love coming to training. Win, lose, or draw, you can see the smiles on their faces. That’s what we’ve created here.”
On squad management and player welfare, Savage emphasized trust and work-life balance, giving players Christmas Day off. “Trust is huge for any manager. I trust all my players. It’s important they enjoy time with their families – it’s a massive part of the year. I’ll be with my family too, which I haven’t done for three or four months, so it’s nice for me as well,” he said.
Harvey Bunker will miss out following his red card at Yeovil. Jayden Clarke and Issac Moore have been hit with the flu and goalkeeper Luke McNicholas is out for up to two months with a groin issue, but despite this, Savage remains confident in the depth of his squad. “All 19 travelling players are first-team starters. There are no excuses. Everybody who comes in is as valuable as the next one,” he said, adding that flexibility is key: “Who knows what Christmas Day or Boxing Day will bring, but we’ll adapt and make sure we’re ready.”
On individual performances, Savage praised striker Temi Babalola, who has caught the eye since his move from Worthing FC and was on the scoresheet last time out against Yeovil: “He’s been brilliant. That lone striker role is tough, and we want him to be even more clinical – for all our forwards, really.”
Looking ahead to the festive fixtures, Savage stressed focus and preparation. “Boxing Day is the best time of the football calendar. This group are so focused, so together. Win, lose, or draw, they give everything. That’s what makes this team special.
“Whatever happens, I’m just enjoying my life right now as a football manager with a group of players who give me everything.”
