Jovial Forest Green boss Robbie Savage is hoping to have the last laugh when fellow Invincibles Hartlepool visit The New Lawn on Saturday.
Boasting talkSPORT Breakfast host Jeff Stelling as their most famous supporter, Simon Grayson’s side arrive in Gloucestershire unbeaten and sitting fifth in the table, four points adrift in the embryonic National League table.
The ever-ebullient Savage told Stroud Times he’s relishing the challenge — and the chance for a little light-hearted banter with Stelling.
GAFFER TAPES: Robbie Savage delivers his pre-match synopsis to Ash Loveridge and BBC Radio Gloucestershire’s Paul Furley ahead of Rovers’ home clash against Hartlepool. Listen to Savage’s unabridged interview below.
“Jeff was brilliant on TV — the show they had was exceptional,” said Savage. “He does a lot of brilliant work off the field as well, and I’ve got huge respect for him and the career he’s had. Hopefully, come the final whistle, I can send him a tweet saying: ‘Never mind, Jeff — maybe mention that on your show on Monday after we’ve beaten you.’”
Savage is relishing the prospect of locking horns with Hartlepool boss Simon Grayson, the former Leeds United and Sunderland manager.
“Simon had a very good playing career and, to be honest, he’s a better manager than me right now,” said Savage. “When I watch interviews, I always give other managers and teams huge credit, but I don’t think it’s always replicated — I don’t know why. Hartlepool is a huge football club. They’ve got threats, of course, but not as many threats as we have.”
An unbeaten August has already seen Savage shortlisted for the Manager of the Month award, though the Forest Green boss is keeping expectations grounded.
“I shouldn’t win it — I think the Rochdale manager should take it, because they were top of the league in August,” he admitted. “We should have had two more points from the Solihull draw. I’m just the manager — the players and my staff, John McMahon in particular, deserve the recognition.”
Savage was also quick to express disappointment that none of his squad received individual nominations.
“The only reason I’ve been nominated is because of my players,” he insisted. “We’ve got the best xG differential in the entire football pyramid, from the Premier League down. We’ve brought 15 new players into the squad, many from lower levels. So yes, I’m disappointed for my players — when you’ve created over 150 chances and have the best xG differential in all the leagues, how can our forward players not be nominated?”
He was quick to highlight standout performers.
“Mendy deserves to be nominated — he’s been unbelievable, and I think he’s got the potential to be player of the season in this league. Tre Pemberton at right-back, too — the way we play, I don’t see him as just a defender. And Neil Kengni as well. They’re creative players, wingers really, playing in a system that suits them.”
