Forest Green Rovers manager Robbie Savage has once again called on his extensive contacts within the game to strengthen his squad, completing a double transfer swoop by signing Liverpool midfielder Kyle Kelly on loan and experienced striker Omari Patrick on a permanent deal.
Kelly, 20, joins from Liverpool, where he has progressed through the academy since 2018 and most recently featured for the club’s Under-21 side.
The midfielder has also established himself on the international stage, earning eight senior caps for St Kitts and Nevis and scoring his first international goal in a friendly against the Solomon Islands earlier this year.
Savage revealed the move came after discussions with former Wales team-mate and roommate Rob Page, who now manages Liverpool’s Under-21s.
“I spoke to my ex-roommate and team-mate Rob Page, the ex-Wales manager who’s now at Liverpool Under-21s, and he said, ‘Listen, the kid’s got a great, great chance,'” said Savage.
“He plays in that six, loves a tackle, loves getting around the pitch.
“Liverpool have been great once again and he spoke to James Balagizi and James gave glowing reviews about us, which was nice.”
Kelly becomes the latest Liverpool youngster to make the move to The New Lawn following James Balagizi’s loan spell last season.
Joining him is striker Patrick, who has signed permanently following his departure from Tranmere Rovers.
The 29-year-old arrives with a wealth of Football League experience after previous spells with Carlisle United, Sutton United, Bradford City and Kidderminster Harriers.
Patrick scored seven goals in 41 appearances for Tranmere during the 2025/26 season and was part of the Carlisle United side that won promotion to League One in 2023.
Savage believes the forward’s arrival represents another significant piece of business as Rovers continue to build an ambitious squad ahead of the new National League campaign.
“What a signing that is,” said Savage.
“Anybody who’s not seen the goals he scored at Accrington last year for Tranmere… on a free, it’s brilliant business.
“We had to move quickly, so again, two brilliant acquisitions and two brilliant people who will adhere to our ethos.”
