Forest Green manager Robbie Savage has lavished praise on Southend United’s Kevin Maher ahead of today’s National League clash at Roots Hall.
With nine games of the regular season to go, Savage has the pedal firmly to the floor as his in-form side enter the final furlong, he said: “We’re going to treat it like a play-off quarter-final, semi-final. That’s what we’re going to do. We’ve got nine cup finals left, hopefully three more or two more, depending on where we finish. Minimum nine games, and every game now we’re going to treat it as if it’s a play-off game. That mentality, because we need to. Will a point be good on the road against Southend? Yes, but we’re not going there for a point. We’re going to go and try and get all three.”
Listen to Robbie Savage’s unabridged pre-match press conference
On Maher’s tenure at Roots Hall, Savage said: “Kev’s done a brilliant job,” said the Rovers’ boss, who is serving his final game of a two-match touchline ban. “He’s been there for four years, got to Wembley last year. He’s got two opportunities this year to get to Wembley twice. It’s an amazing thing that, you know, I see some of the criticism that all managers get. He’s doing a brilliant job. As I’ve said, he’s got a team who know what they’re doing in that shape of the 3-5-2 or the 5-3-2. I think they’re having a wonderful season and he’s a brilliant manager.”
All eyes will be on new Forest Green striker D’Mani Mellor, who hit the ground running on his debut against Aldershot after arriving at the club from Macclesfield the day before: “I think he’s surprised a few people with how good he is,” said Savage. “You don’t stay at Manchester United for as long as he did if you haven’t got quality.
“His hold-up play, his work rate and his aerial ability were excellent. His running stats were actually the highest in the team, which didn’t surprise me at all.”
Savage admitted Mellor has done well to climb back up the football ladder after being released by Manchester United as a youngster: “It’s tough leaving one of the biggest clubs in the world, especially after being part of it for so long. The key is how you bounce back. I was fortunate to play nearly 250 Premier League games, captain four clubs, and represent my country -achievements that came from hard work, dedication, and self-belief.
“D’Mani is showing the same mentality. His path has been tougher than mine, but he’s proving that with belief, drive, and a strong support system—like the one D’Mani has -there’s always a way forward. Hundreds of players released by top clubs never make a living from the game, yet D’Mani has returned to full-time professional football.
“He’ll embrace it, adapt, and give everything, serving as an example to anyone facing setbacks: if you stay determined, there’s always another journey waiting.”
Savage revealed he now sees Laurent Mendy as a midfielder after spending chunks of the season at centre-back: “After four and a half years of knowing Mendy, I now see him as a midfielder rather than a centre-back. I think his days as a centre-half now, unless it was an emergency or, you know, we have to resort to a back three and substitutions, would dictate that we haven’t got a defender to go in a back three.”
Savage said Rovers’ recent baby boom, which has seen Jili Buyabu and D’Mani Mellor become fathers, is expected to see Christian Doidge remain at home with his partner, who is due to give birth this weekend. Doidge’s absence could provide an opportunity for homegrown youngster Jose Marquez to come into the squad following his lengthy injury absence.
