Football management is as much an art as it is a craft, and Robbie Savage has wasted no time painting pretty pictures at Forest Green.
Just ten games into his tenure, the former Premier League midfielder has already left a tangible mark. Forest Green top the National League table with seven wins and three draws, and the results reflect more than just luck — they carry Savage’s fingerprint: urgency, resilience, and a willingness to take risks.
Each performance seems carefully guided by his blueprint, quietly reshaping the club’s identity and giving fans a reason to believe in a bold new direction.
Saturday’s 2-0 victory at Woking offered a perfect snapshot of Savage’s philosophy. Goals from Jayden Clarke and Tom Knowles, in the first and second halves respectively, extended Forest Green’s unbeaten start to the season and returned them to the summit. After the match, Savage praised his side while emphasizing that perfection is always the goal: “It was a magnificent performance from start to finish, but we’re always going for more. We want more goals, more wins, more moments to make the fans proud. That’s what my team is about,” he said.
The match, however, came with a serious scare. Reading loanee Abraham Kanu was stretchered off after suffering a broken jaw, a moment that could have unsettled a less composed side. Savage was quick to commend the medical team and paramedics for their swift response and also praised his substitutes, highlighting the squad’s depth and adaptability: “We had to make a change at the beginning, but credit to the medical team and the paramedics for getting on really quickly. Jordan (Moore-Taylor) came on and was absolutely fantastic along with Ryan (Inniss). The way the team adapted was fantastic,” he said.
This flexibility is a hallmark of Savage’s approach. Unlike many managers at this level, he is unafraid to rotate his squad to keep players fresh and competitive. Ahead of the midweek trip to Altrincham, he hinted at further changes:
“I’m utilising the squad because the squad Mark Bowen, Asif Remnwhala, Dale Vince and I have built is there for everyone. No matter who comes into the side, we don’t weaken it. We want to keep players fresh, competitive, and ready to perform at their best.”
Savage’s relationship with the fans has also been a defining feature of his short tenure. More than 200 supporters made the journey to Woking, and their energy was impossible to miss. Savage was effusive in his praise: “The fans turned out in their numbers and they outsung the home fans. Some people say, ‘There’s only a few of them,’ but those few make more noise than any others in the league. They should be proud of their performance,” he said.
Social media has become a key part of Savage’s connection with supporters. He frequently posts updates, messages of encouragement, and behind-the-scenes glimpses, making fans feel directly involved in the club’s journey.
Off the pitch, Savage’s vision for Forest Green goes beyond short-term results. He wants to instil a culture of excellence, energy, and ambition:
“I promised the fans an entertaining, fun side to watch. Football is about moments, about energy, about giving people something to cheer for. We’ve started well, but we’re building something bigger. It’s not just about ten games — it’s about creating a team and a culture that can sustain success.”
Players have responded positively to his methods. Savage makes players feel valued and prepared to step into the first team when called upon. This balance between tactical structure and individual expression is one of the reasons Forest Green look so cohesive and dynamic.
Savage’s approach is rooted in experience. Having played at the highest level, he understands the pressures players face and the importance of communication, preparation, and trust. His post-match interviews often reveal not just tactical insights but also his ability to inspire confidence: “Football management is about decisions, about people, about creating belief. I want this team to play with confidence, to embrace challenges, to enjoy the game while winning matches. That’s my ambition for Forest Green,” he said.
The manager’s boldness has energized the squad and captured attention across the league. Forest Green’s combination of discipline, creativity, and attacking intent makes them one of the most intriguing teams in the National League. Even early critics have had to acknowledge that Savage’s approach is producing results.
The reaction from fans and pundits alike highlights just how quickly he has made an impact. The team’s performances are more than just winning games; they represent a style, a philosophy, and a clear message that Forest Green is entering a new era.
Despite the challenges — injuries, squad rotations, and the pressures of topping the table — Savage’s leadership has remained calm, pragmatic, and inspirational. His ability to combine tactical awareness, player management, and fan engagement suggests that this is more than a short-term managerial stint.
Ten games may be a small sample, but Robbie Savage has already made Forest Green one of the most talked-about clubs in the National League. His energy, vision, and commitment to excellence — on and off the pitch — suggest that this is only the beginning of a thrilling chapter for the club. With Savage at the helm, fans have every reason to believe that Forest Green’s best days are still ahead.
“We’re just getting started,” he said, a simple statement that captures both ambition and the promise of what’s to come.
Woking: Norcott, Drewe, Tunji Akinola, Odusina, Richards, Forster-Caskey (Timmy Akinola 62), Andrews, Beautyman (Ward 62), Hinds, O’Brien (Osude 62), Kelly.
Subs not used: Jaaskelainen, Okoli, Effiong, Turner
Forest Green: McNicholas, Knowles, Pemberton, Inniss, Kanu (Moore-Taylor 15), Moore (Kengni 87), Mendy, Whitwell, Clarke (Balagizi 69), McAllister, Mitchell (Walker 87)
Subs not used: Pagel, Haughton, Cardwell.
Attendance: 2,513
FGR fans: 221
