Ebullient Forest Green boss Robbie Savage is champing at the bit as he leads Rovers into the new campaign.
Ahead of their National League opener at Solihull Moors on Saturday, the former Macclesfield boss has performed major squad surgery with 12 new signings secured, including the exciting additions this week of striker Aidan Dausch from Coventry, creative midfielder Nick Haughton from AFC Fylde, and defender Max Robson from Tottenham Hotspur, slashing the average age of the squad from 27.9 to 25.1, while also improving financial sustainability.
“We’re delighted with the squad we’ve assembled,” said Savage. “Aidan (Dausch) scored a worldie in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Swindon, and Nick Haughton – for me – is the best No.10 in the league. Max Robson brings real versatility and quality from Spurs. Every one of them strengthens us.”
The new additions come as Joe Quigley, Charlie McCann, and Jamie Robson leave the club by mutual consent. Savage praised the trio for their contributions, but reiterated the need for tough decisions as part of the rebuild. “We’ve had to be honest and transparent with every player,” he added.
“When you bring 12 new players in, you’ll get knocks on your door. Those three leave with our best wishes, and there may be more movement to come.”
Savage’s shopping is far from over: “We’re always looking for good players—everyone knows that. We knew from the start that we needed to overhaul the squad and shift the culture here. Cultures typically take seven years to change, but we’re trying to do it in five or six weeks. You’ve seen the buzz around the place. You’ve seen the staff smiling.
“That’s a good sign, but at the end of the day, we’ve got to win football matches. I genuinely believe the squad is now in a fantastic place. And if good players become available, of course, we’ll look to bring them in.
“We’re massive on data at this club. We’ve got Tom and Billy working hard on that side—every player we look at is backed by deep analytics. But beyond the numbers, I know these players visually, I’ve seen what they can do.”
Savage is happy to change the narrative that the club are big-spenders.
“Agents are calling non-stop, and that’s part of the game. But we needed to change the narrative around this club. The first question agents used to ask me was, ‘We know what Forest Green used to pay.’
“Well, that’s already changed. You’ve seen that with the 12 players we’ve brought in. The wage bill has come down significantly, and the average age has dropped as well. That’s the direction we want to go in.”
Boasting confident in spades, Savage insists the title is his aim: “The goal is simple: to win the league. No doubt about it. I genuinely believe we’ve got the capability within this squad to do just that.
“I’ve seen the predictions—people putting us fifth or sixth—that’s fine. But I think we’ll exceed those expectations. Of course, finishing outside the playoffs would be disappointing. It might happen, sure, but that’s not the aim.
Pic: Matt Bigwood
“I’m not going to sit here and make excuses about needing time just because we’ve brought in 12 new players. I believe every one of them has improved the squad. Look, we finished third last year with the group we had—and did exceptionally well. The new additions, with a bit of time, will be even better.
“And I’ll say this with confidence: as long as I’m here with Mark (Bowen), we’ll get promoted at some point during our time here.”
Savage is confident the new-look squad is ready to make an immediate impact. “We’re not here to make up the numbers. The aim is top two – simple as that,” he stated. “The players coming in are good enough, the culture is changing fast, and we believe in what we’re building.”
As for the upcoming campaign, Savage is clear: expect energy, ambition, and a new identity. “We want fans to enjoy watching us play,” he said. “It might feel like a basketball game at times – high-tempo, brave, and full of transitions. But it’ll be us. And it’ll be exciting.”
Savage confirmed goalkeeping coach Wayne Brown had left the club. Brown is understood to have taken up a role at Aston Villa Women. Rovers have brought in former Cheltenham Town and Walsall goalkeeping coach Dan Martin.
Savage said: “Wayne’s moved on, and it was an amazing opportunity for him—one that we fully supported.
“The kind of people myself and Mark (Bowen) are, we believe if someone has a chance that benefits their family, both personally and financially, we won’t stand in their way. Wayne’s a top guy, and we wish him nothing but the best.
“In his place, we’ve brought in Dan Martin. He’s been fantastic from day one—great character, fits in really well with the group, and a top-class goalkeeper.
“He came highly recommended by people I know and trust, and that matters. One thing I say to all the staff: I’ve got to trust you. Dan’s earned that already. He’s been brilliant so far.
“Again, we wish Wayne all the best. He goes with our full support. At the end of the day, myself and Mark are honest people—we care about the human side of the game.”
🏥 Injury Updates:
- Abraham Karno – fit after ankle injury vs Derby
- Ryan Inniss – close to return; targeting minutes vs West Brom
- Harry Cardwell – 2 weeks from full fitness
