Ebullient Forest Green boss Robbie Savage wants more from his burgeoning side despite their scintillating 4-0 win over Sutton United at the New Lawn.
Savage, whose high-energy style and charismatic leadership have restored the feel-good factor in Nailsworth.
“We’ve made a mesmerising start,” Savage said. “The lads have been superb, but this is just the beginning. We have to demand more of ourselves every single week if we want to achieve something special.”
The manager reserved special praise for summer arrivals Tre Pemberton, Laurent Mendy and Neil Kengni, who have all adapted seamlessly to life at a higher level. “They’ve been outstanding,” Savage said. “Stepping up isn’t easy, but the way they’ve embraced the challenge has been top class.”
Savage also heaped praise on Kyle McAllister, who grabbed a brace in the rout over Sutton: “Kyle McAllister is the best player in the league,” Savage declared. “His quality, his consistency, his ability to make things happen — he’s on another level.”
Savage also reflected on the bond forming between his side and the Forest Green faithful. “The rapport with the fans has been incredible – I had a great rapport with Macclesfield fans – I care and I’m emotional,” he said. “They’ve backed me from day one, and it makes a huge difference.”
Yet behind the touchline passion lies personal sacrifice. The former Premier League midfielder admitted the demands of management have meant time away from home. “I miss my family, I miss my dogs — that’s the toughest part,” Savage revealed. “But I’m giving everything to this football club and the aim is promotion.”
With Rovers flying and confidence surging, Savage’s mix of relentless standards and raw honesty is fuelling belief that this could be a season to remember at the New Lawn.
Watch Savage deliver his post-match synopsis following his side’s 4-0 victory over Sutton United. He discusses the mesmerising start, how Tre Pemberton, Laurent Mendy and Neil Kengni have taken to the higher level, lauding Kyle McAllister as the best player in the league, his rapport with the fans, personal sacrifices and missing his family and dogs
Gaffer tapes – Robbie Savage
