BBC Radio Gloucestershire commentators have expressed their surprise at the sacking of Forest Green boss Steve Cotterill.
Following an 18-month spell in charge, the 60-year-old guided the Rovers to third in the table last season, but they were beaten by Southend United on on penalties in the play-offs to miss out on a place in the Wembley final.
A club statement said: “Steve Cotterill and FGR have parted company following the club’s decision to terminate Steve’s contract. We wish Steve all the best for the future.”
Rovers will now be looking for their seventh manager since June 2022, following the exits of Rob Edwards, Ian Burchnall, Duncan Ferguson, Horseman, Deeney and now Cotterill.
Posting on his X account, BBC Radio Gloucestershire sports reporter Paul Furley said: “Club has spent most of the last 3 years needing stability and sacks the man who’s given it stability for 17 months.
“Strange decision unless something else has happened. Unfortunately whoever comes in doesn’t get a full transfer window, so is up against it straight away.”
Billy Hunt, who commentates on the club for BBC Radio Gloucestershire said: “The biggest surprise is the timing. If he was to go then you’d have thought it would be better to go soon after the play-off defeat.
“A new manager coming in a few weeks before the first pre-season season game doesn’t give much timing to get players in and many other clubs in the league seem to have a significant head start with players coming in. The same happened when Duncan Ferguson left in the summer and that season didn’t end well.”
Mark Halliwell, who reports on Cheltenham Town for BBC Radio Gloucestershire said: “All the best to Steve. Seems a strange decision to sack him now. Bowen appointment is definitely linked to the decision.”
Stroud Times editor and co-founder Ash Loveridge said: “Never a dull moment at Forest Green. I think the writing was on the wall even before the defeat in the play-offs – Steve Cotterill’s body language suggested something was brewing.
“Whoever comes in will have the support and the tools to get the club over the line and back to League Two. I think the fans will have plenty to get enthused about despite the crazy managerial revolving door.”
