Listen to Robbie Savage’s unabridged press conference ahead of Woking away on Saturday.
Brimming with confidence, Robbie Savage wants to take Forest Green into the Championship.
Savage has shared a passionate message about his ambitions for the club, his respect for the game, and the emotional drive that fuels his work on the touchline.
Savage, who has taken charge of just nine league games in full-time football since his summer move from Macclesfield, says he is under no illusions about where he stands — but insists he has the desire and belief to grow with Forest Green, who are unbeaten in all competitions this season.
“I’m realistic,” Savage admitted. “I’ve only managed nine games at this level. People talk about me managing in the Premier League, the Championship, even the Wales job — of course I’d love to do that one day. But right now, I’m a million, billion miles away. I don’t think I’m good enough yet for league football. Will I be? Yes, I believe I will — with my staff beside me.”
Reflecting on the opportunity he has been given, Savage spoke with gratitude about the club’s ownership and leadership.
“For Dale (Vince), Mark (Bowen) and Asif (Rehmanwala) to take a chance on me because of who I am — my big personality, my relentlessness — it means everything. I’m an emotional individual, I care, and sometimes people might think I’m too big a character to take a risk on. But they’ve backed me, and I want to repay that faith. I want to take this club into the Championship. I really, really, really do.”
Savage acknowledged that he is still at the beginning of his managerial journey, but sees Forest Green as the perfect place to build step by step.
“At Macclesfield, I said I wanted to take the club higher — and I did. This opportunity with Forest Green was the next incremental step in my journey as a manager. I’m only 14 months into management. I’ve got so much to learn, but my ambition is to do that learning here, and to make this club successful.”
On the touchline, Savage has already made headlines for his emotional celebrations, which have occasionally landed him in hot water.
“I’ve been booked twice — both times for celebrating with my own fans after a last-minute goal. Never for foul or abusive language, because that’s not me. I don’t swear at referees, I don’t think it’s right. I respect officials, I know how tough their job is. But I won’t ever hide my emotion. That’s what football is about. If we score a last-minute winner against Woking, I’ll probably celebrate again and pick up another yellow card. If that means a ban, so be it.”
Despite the intensity he brings to the technical area, Savage stressed the professionalism and standards he demands from his staff.
“I make sure my staff represent me in the right way. No foul or abusive language. We respect the officials, always. Our job is to channel passion into performance, and I think we’ve done that well so far.”
Savage also reflected on the challenges of stepping into management later in life, and why he believes he can still reach the highest levels.
“I’m 50 now, and I know some people look at that and think, ‘You haven’t got your Pro Licence, you haven’t got the experience.’ That’s true — but I’ve got the drive. I’m relentless, I throw myself into everything, and I believe with every fibre of my being that I can succeed as a manager. Right now, I want to succeed with Forest Green.”
Looking ahead, Savage concluded with a clear message of ambition, determination, and loyalty.
“I’ll never sit here and say I don’t want to go higher — of course I do. But I want that ambition to be realised here, with Forest Green. This club gave me a chance, and I want to give everything back. I know we’ve had a great start, but in football, if you lose five or six games in a row, you can be out of a job. That’s the reality. So my focus is on the present, on this team, and on making sure we build something special.”
