Forest Green Rovers boss Robbie Savage says he’s “champing at the bit” ahead of tonight’s televised FA Cup fourth qualifying round clash away at Worthing FC.
Savage is steeped in FA Cup history, having reached two semi-finals as a player, but he’s determined his side avoid a potential banana skin against the National League South outfit.
“The cameras are there because everybody thinks it’s going to be an upset,” said Savage. “I’ve been in the first round proper a few times with Crewe when I first started out, so I know what it’s like for the underdog — you can’t wait for it.
Listen to Robbie Savage’s unabridged interview ahead of tonight’s FA Cup tie.
“But I’ll make sure our players, especially those who’ve been in that situation, give everything to try and progress to the first round. It’s a brilliant competition.”
Savage reflected fondly on his own FA Cup memories — including scoring his first goal for Leicester City in the tournament.
“It’s a competition I got to two semi-finals in. I lost against Arsenal 3–0 and Chelsea 2–1. When I went to Leicester under Martin O’Neill, I scored my first goal against Northampton in a 4–0 win, which really set me going there. I even earned a new contract after a game against Hereford in a replay at Filbert Street.
“I remember watching my first FA Cup final with my dad — Spurs versus Man City in 1981, Ricky Villa in the replay. Later, I shared punditry with Glenn Hoddle talking about that same game — it’s a brilliant memory.”
The tie will be played on a 3G surface, something Savage admits could affect his team selection.
“Some of our players will struggle. One or two have had operations in the past — tendonitis, hip flexors, backs. Jordan (Moore-Taylor) and Ryan (Inniss) could possibly struggle on that surface. I’m not saying they won’t play, but we’ll assess it.”
Striker Jose Marquez will be unavailable, having already featured in this year’s competition for Alvechurch.
Despite the potential challenges, Savage sees the game as another milestone opportunity for his young side.
“It’s going to be a tough game on a 3G pitch, but if we can progress, it’s an opportunity for some of my players to play in the FA Cup first round proper for the first time.
“There have been many firsts for this group — having names and numbers on their shirts, and if they can get through to the first round, that’s another first. That’s what this club is all about — giving opportunities and creating firsts for people.”
Savage also revealed he has deliberately avoided focusing too much on the opposition in preparation for the tie.
“I’ve intentionally not even thought about Worthing this week. It’s about us. The last few games — York, Boston, and Rochdale — we focused too much on the opposition.
“We’ll give Worthing the utmost respect — they’ll be good on that 3G and they’ll be up for it — but I’m not showing my players videos of them. It’s about us. Before the game, I’ll remind the players how we attack, how we score, how we’re brave and aggressive. Let’s go back to what we’re all about.”
