Rene Meulensteen believes Forest Green Rovers boss Robbie Savage has the “x-factor” to succeed at Championship level.
Savage is currently plotting Rovers’ push for a return to the EFL after taking charge in the summer, following his departure from Macclesfield. The 51-year-old signed a four-year deal with Dale Vince’s side and has made a strong early impression in the role.
Meulensteen, who served under Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford from 2007 to 2013, is predicting a bright future for Savage in management, praising both his approach and personality.
“When he got involved with Macclesfield as a sort of co-owner and did some stuff there, it must have ticked his desire to have a go at management,” Meulensteen told Casinostugan. “To be fair, he’s doing it the right way at a club like Forest Green Rovers- nothing too big, too soon.
“He’s gone in there to really assess whether he enjoys it, how he wants to shape the team, manage the players, and understand what he likes and dislikes on a daily basis. From what I can see, he’s done a great job.
“I’m sure he has plenty of charisma with the way he talks to players.”
Meulensteen also highlighted Savage’s playing and broadcasting background as valuable experience for a modern manager.
“When you’ve been a pundit and co-commentator like Robbie has, it shows he has strong football knowledge,” he added. “He played the game himself at a very good level and now he’s bringing that experience into management.”
Looking ahead, Meulensteen believes Savage could quickly climb the managerial ladder.
“Who knows? Maybe another club in League Two, League One, or even the Championship decides to take a chance on Robbie and see how he does,” he said.
“He could even be the perfect sort of showman for a club like Wrexham and what they’re building there.”
