In a significant move shaking up the National League landscape, Robbie Savage has officially taken the reins as the new first-team manager of Forest Green Rovers as of July 1, 2025. This appointment comes immediately following his departure from Macclesfield FC, where he had served with distinction for five years, first as Director of Football and then as Head Coach.
Savage’s tenure at Macclesfield was nothing short of transformative. Under his leadership, the club achieved a historic campaign during the 2024-2025 season, breaking nearly every record in the process. The Silkmen clinched the Northern Premier League Premier Division title with a staggering 109 points and an equal number of goals scored, finishing 26 points clear of their nearest challengers. This triumph secured Macclesfield’s promotion to the National League North, positioning them just one tier below Forest Green Rovers.
Despite the success, Savage’s departure was met with a mixture of disappointment and gratitude from Macclesfield FC. The club issued a heartfelt statement acknowledging his immense contribution: "Robbie leaves with our very best wishes and eternal gratitude for everything that he has done for our Football Club over the course of the last five years." They praised his passion, desire, and infectious work ethic, which inspired not only the team but the entire club community. "Robbie helped make people believe what is possible and how the ‘impossible’ can be achieved by a ruthless and relentless mindset," the statement continued.
Alongside Savage’s exit, Macclesfield also confirmed the departure of John McMahon, with plans to announce a new management team soon. John Rooney has been appointed as Savage’s successor, tasked with continuing the momentum built over recent seasons.
For Forest Green Rovers, Savage’s arrival marks a new chapter following the recent dismissal of Steve Cotterill on June 26, 2025. Cotterill had been in charge since January 2024 and led the club to a third-place finish in the National League during the 2024-2025 season. However, Forest Green fell short of promotion, losing on penalties to seventh-placed Southend in the play-offs, a result that ultimately precipitated the managerial change.
Robbie Savage, a former Wales international and Premier League midfielder with a storied career spanning clubs like Leicester City, Birmingham City, Blackburn Rovers, and Derby County, brings a wealth of experience to the role. His playing career included 346 Premier League appearances and 39 caps for Wales, underscoring his deep understanding of the game at the highest levels.
Speaking on his appointment, Savage expressed his vision for Forest Green: "I feel I have an opportunity to develop a squad to create an attacking brand of football - an aggressive form of football to try and get Forest Green back into the EFL. I want a fast, exciting style but the most important thing is to win games." This statement reflects his ambition to build a team that not only entertains but also consistently delivers results.
Savage’s connection to Macclesfield runs deep, having been involved with the club since 2020 and part-owning the side even as he took on coaching duties starting in 2024. His leadership was pivotal in Macclesfield’s rise through the leagues, securing three promotions in four seasons. Despite stepping up to Forest Green, he will retain his part-ownership of Macclesfield, a somewhat unusual but telling sign of his enduring commitment to the club.
His move to Forest Green also reunites him with former Wales teammate Mark Bowen, who was appointed as the club’s director of football in June 2025. This pairing could prove influential in shaping Forest Green’s future strategy and squad development.
Forest Green Rovers wasted no time integrating Savage into their setup, with the club confirming he would begin training sessions at the Candriam Training Centre immediately on the afternoon of July 1, 2025. The club’s announcement welcomed him warmly, signaling optimism about the fresh direction under his stewardship.
Robbie Savage’s appointment also adds to the managerial turnover at Forest Green, making him the club’s seventh manager since 2022. This high turnover reflects the club’s recent struggles and the urgent desire to return to the English Football League after missing out on promotion last season.
As the 2025-2026 season looms, all eyes will be on Savage to see how he adapts to the challenges of the National League and whether he can translate his success at Macclesfield to Forest Green. The task is formidable, but his track record of instilling belief and achieving the extraordinary at Macclesfield suggests he is well-equipped for the challenge.
Meanwhile, Macclesfield FC faces a new era without the man who helped rebuild the club into a vibrant, inclusive, and competitive side. The legacy Savage leaves is one of passion, relentless work ethic, and a mindset that turned the impossible into reality – qualities that will hopefully endure as the club moves forward under new leadership.
In summary, Robbie Savage’s swift transition from Macclesfield to Forest Green Rovers marks a pivotal moment for both clubs. Forest Green gains a manager with a proven winning pedigree and a bold vision, while Macclesfield embarks on a fresh chapter, aiming to sustain the momentum of recent successes. The football community will be keenly watching how this story unfolds in the months ahead.
