Robbie Savage, once a tenacious figure in Leicester City’s midfield during their Premier League years, could be set for a dramatic leap up the pyramid.
The 49-year-old, who has overseen Macclesfield FC’s rise from the North West Counties to the National League North in just four years, is now a leading candidate to take over at Forest Green Rovers.
Forest Green Changes
Rovers are preparing for change after it was revealed that current boss Steve Cotterill is likely to leave following their National League play-off semi-final exit to Southend United. Despite losing only seven of 46 league games, Cotterill is expected to depart as owner Dale Vince looks to rebuild under newly appointed director of football Mark Bowen.
Savage’s connection to the club runs deeper than most—his son, Charlie, had a loan spell at Forest Green in 2023, and Bowen was a former team-mate of Robbie’s in the Wales national team setup. That relationship could be key as Rovers seek a new face to lead them back to the EFL.
Promotion Pedigree Makes Savage Stand Out
Since taking charge at Macclesfield, Savage has delivered three promotions in four seasons and has become synonymous with the club’s phoenix-like rise following the original Macclesfield Town’s collapse. Though initially appointed as director of football, he stepped into the dugout in 2023 and guided them to a 26-point title win in the Northern Premier League Premier Division.
Despite penning a new two-year contract just last month, Savage is believed to have met with Bowen in Stroud on Tuesday. His public commitment to the Macclesfield project could now be tested by the opportunity to manage in the National League proper—and potentially beyond.
Speaking recently, Savage had insisted he was committed to the Silkmen’s journey:
“It’s a club close to my heart… three promotions in four years, an FA Trophy semi-final—what we’ve achieved is incredible. I can’t leave that dressing room. The lads have been amazing. I’m on that journey with them.”
But Forest Green’s appeal—resources, infrastructure, and ambitions to return to League Two—may be too tempting to turn down.
Tarnished Legacy
Savage is a popular figure post-retirement, but his Leicester City legact was tarnished somewhat. Despite being a key player during their Premier League run in the mid-2000s, he tarnished his Foxes’ legacy by kissing the Birmingham City badge in front of fans after leaving the club. The gesture, made during a goal celebration, sparked lasting resentment despite his successful five-year spell and two Player of the Season awards.
Writer’s View
Robbie Savage’s name may raise eyebrows in the Forest Green boardroom, but this isn’t the PR stunt it might seem. He’s shown tactical maturity, leadership, and vision at Macclesfield, and has become more than just a big name.
His Leicester City pedigree and media persona overshadow the fact that, as a manager, he’s won things—and that matters. If Forest Green want fresh energy and long-term ambition, Savage fits. And with Cotterill’s exit looking inevitable, it could mark the beginning of a very different chapter at the New Lawn.
