Former Liverpool and Wales international and talkSPORT pundit Dean Saunders has praised Robbie Savage for the strong start he has made in his role at Forest Green Rovers, describing it as “a good job” and the ideal platform for a young coach to build his career.
Saunders stressed that winning in management is as much about choosing the right opportunity as it is about tactical skill.
“When you’re a football manager, it doesn’t really matter what league you’re in,” Saunders told Boyle Sport. “What matters is whether you’re taking a good job. There are good jobs and bad jobs.”
According to Saunders, Savage has stepped into one of the best situations available in the league.
“Robbie Savage’s job at Forest Green is a good one. He’s got the biggest budget in the league – or one of them – so he’s got a real chance,” he explained. “With that backing, there are no excuses. He’s working with better players than most and more resources than anyone else. He’s doing really well.”
Saunders believes Savage’s strong early work will position him for future opportunities higher up the football pyramid.
“No matter what you’re earning, he’s now put himself in the frame for bigger jobs,” he added. “When vacancies come up, especially at clubs he used to play for, he’ll be considered.”
Offering advice to aspiring managers, Saunders stressed the importance of avoiding unrealistic expectations.
“I’ve always told young managers: don’t take a bad job where you’ve got the smallest budget but the owner still expects the playoffs—that’s the sack waiting to happen,” he said. “If you lose four games, you’re gone.”
He concluded: “Sav has taken a good job, and he’s making the most of it.”
