Forest Green Rovers manager Robbie Savage insists he remains “hugely positive” ahead of the new National League season despite seeing his side lose 4-1 in their final pre-season friendly to Swindon Town.
Strikes from Aaron Drinan, Ben Middlemas, and a brace from Paul Glatzel secured Swindon a comfortable victory against Rovers, who grabbed a late consolation goal through Ricardo Rees
Savage admitted his players looked fatigued after a demanding schedule against higher-level opposition but believes the difficult fixtures have been the perfect preparation ahead of next Saturday’s season opener against Halifax Town.
Speaking after the defeat, Savage said the physical demands of facing Bristol Rovers, Bristol City, Cardiff City and Swindon had exposed areas for improvement while also leaving him confident his squad is ready for the campaign.
“We knew coming to these four games – Bristol Rovers, Bristol City, Cardiff and Swindon – would be very tough. It’d be a great workout.”
The Rovers boss felt tiredness played a major part in the result.
“With a game in midweek followed by this one, the energy that was exerted on Wednesday was there for all to see. We got really tired, making mistakes, which players will do when they’re tired, and we were punished.
“The higher levels you go up, any slight error and the quality they’ve got can punish it, and they certainly did that.”
Despite the defeat, Savage praised the impact of his substitutes.
“I thought the subs changed the game. Delighted with their impact. Great goal – Joshua (Osude) with the ball to Ricardo (Rees), good finish. We created chances.”
He also sympathised with Swindon boss Ian Holloway, who has been dealing with an injury-hit squad.
“Credit Ollie. Great chat with Ollie. What a guy.”
Savage acknowledged there is always a balancing act during pre-season between confidence and testing players against stronger opposition.
“The big question is: will it inspire the players to be better next week or will it damage confidence? It’s such a balance when you’re doing your pre-season games.”
However, he believes the positives outweigh the negatives.
“We’ve scored goals, we’ve conceded a few, everybody’s got minutes and thankfully everybody’s come through unscathed today.”
The only absentee for the opening league fixture should be Bryan Ifeanyi, with Jayden Clarke expected to return to training this week.
“Going into the first game of the season we’ve got a fully-fit squad with the exception of Brian, and that’s what pre-season’s about.”
Savage said the club deliberately chose difficult opposition rather than easier fixtures that may have boosted morale with comfortable victories.
“We could have had easier friendlies and won games five or six and given the lads huge confidence, but really, was that the test you need going into the season?”
Instead, he believes the experience of facing League opposition will benefit his squad.
“They’re still forming partnerships all over the park. We’re giving people minutes. Team talks have worked, substitutions have worked, people have taken things on board.
“All the stuff you try and work on in pre-season, we’ve done.”
The Forest Green boss admitted he now faces difficult decisions when selecting his side to face Halifax.
He praised the performances of summer signings Kyle Kelly, Omari Patrick and fit again Ricardo Rees after they all impressed off the bench.
“I’ve got to sit down with my coaching staff and pick the best team which we think can beat Halifax.”
Savage expects an electric New Lawn atmosphere for the opening day.
“The stand will be packed. The drum will be going. It’ll be a different atmosphere.”
He also thanked supporters for another impressive turnout during pre-season.
“Credit to over a thousand again for a friendly and 400 away fans. It’s been great.”
While pleased with Forest Green’s attacking threat, Savage admitted strengthening his defence remains the priority before the transfer window closes.
Following Laurent Mendy’s departure, he confirmed he wants both a centre-half and a left-back.
“Right now we’ve got three centre-halves and one left-back.
“We do need another two defensive players – a centre-half because we need two for every position, and a left-back.”
Savage also praised Kenji for his pre-season displays but admitted fatigue had caught up with him.
The Rovers manager believes the hard work completed over the summer has prepared his players physically.
“Over 111 miles in pre-season, the average 80-odd sprints and 300 minutes – we’ve done all that to get them ready.”
With pre-season now complete, Savage’s focus is firmly on winning competitive matches.
“Now you have to win Saturday. Draws ain’t good enough.
“We’ll be working on shape, working on Halifax, how we’re going to beat them tactically.”
Although nervous ahead of the new season, Savage admitted excitement outweighs any anxiety.
“I’m hugely positive going into the season because I believe with the firepower we have, we can score lots of goals.
“If we can just get those defensive positions right, we’ll be okay.”
Reflecting on pre-season as a whole, Savage believes the demanding schedule has achieved exactly what he wanted.
“Against four league teams, we’ve come out with a draw, a win and two defeats. We’ve scored goals in every one.
“Our players are going up against better players. That’s what we wanted for them. Let’s see if it’s paid dividends.”
Looking ahead to the National League campaign, Savage added: “It’s the hardest league in the world to get out of, but we’re going to give it our best shot. There’ll be ups and downs, but I know this group of players, on their day, can beat anybody.”
Forest Green Rovers: Ross, Agina (Pemberton 56’), Obi, Ajayi (Kircough 46’), Kengni, Ewing, (Haughton 46’), Campbell (Kelly 46’), Etaluku (Osude 56’), McAllister,, Berry (Patrick 46’), Mellor (Rees 46’)
Subs not used: McNicholas
Swindon Town: Ward, Trialist A (Griffiths-Brown 63′), Mabete (Trialist C 63′), Negru (Tafazolli 63′), Nichols (Sowe 76′), Clarke (Middlemas 63′), Glatzel (Palmer 63′), Trialist B, Drinan (Trialist D 63′), Virute (Millard 66′), Kirkman (Head 66′)
Subs not used: Ripley, Trialist E
Attendance: 1344 (456 away)
