Forest Green Rovers boss Robbie Savage says Laurent Mendy’s imminent record-breaking move to Hearts is evidence that talented players can use the club as a springboard to the highest level, while insisting the ambitious National League side are not being forced to cash in on their captain, with two new faces expected to arrive at The New Lawn today.
Speaking after the 2-2 pre-season outing against Bristol Rovers, Savage said Mendy’s expected transfer should send a clear message to players across the lower leagues that exceptional performances at Forest Green can earn life-changing opportunities.
“It goes to show that any player looking from the lower leagues, all eyes are on this club. You perform, look what can happen.”
Savage also hailed the club owner Dale Vince and vice chairman Asif Remnwhala, saying Forest Green are under no financial pressure to sell players.
He revealed the proposed deal for Mendy could become a club-record transfer if all performance-related add-ons are achieved.
“Dale said we don’t have to sell Mendy. If he stays, we can still go and get the targets we need.
“It’s unbelievable. He’s an unbelievable man and backs his manager.
“Now it’s nice to get, if it goes through, a club-record fee. If every target is met, it’s close to a million. It’s unbelievable, and unbelievable for the boy. It’s not done yet, and when it’s done I’ll speak more in depth about it.”
Savage believes Mendy’s departure also creates an opportunity for others in the squad to establish themselves.
“It’s an opportunity for other midfielders to fill that role and impress me and make me think, ‘I don’t need a replacement for Mendy – I am that replacement for Mendy.’
“I thought Tate Campbell and – Oli Ewing were brilliant.”
The Forest Green boss also revealed the club is closing in on more new signings.
“Hopefully we’re bringing a boy in from Liverpool tomorrow (Wednesday). The paperwork is just being finalised, and we’ve agreed with a forward player also, yet to be finalised, so there’s two in.
“We’ll probably be looking at a centre-half and probably a left-back.”
Savage said he is aiming for a squad of around 23 to 25 players and praised the atmosphere around the club.
“There’s a great buzz around training, great togetherness and great energy. That’s how we need to be going forward – a group who wants to be here.
“If you want to be here, and you want to play well, and you want to be the best you can be, look what can happen.”
Savage said the club’s long-term strategy is to identify talented players, improve them and increase their value.
“I said when I came in it would be a three or four-year project with myself and Mark (Bowen).
“We’ve seen how dynamic we were last year and now we’ve got assets. I can spot talent. I’ve done it and I’ll keep doing it for this football club.”
