Forest Green Rovers manager Robbie Savage has dismissed reports linking him with the vacant position at Blackburn Rovers as ‘pure speculation’.
The Championship outfit announced earlier this week that head coach Valerien Ismael had left the club by mutual consent after a winless run of eight games had seen them plunge into the bottom three. This left Damien Johnson to take over on an interim basis, with the former Rovers midfielder securing a much-needed 1-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday night.
It was a result which lifted the 1995 Premier League champions out of the relegation zone on goal difference. It is expected that Johnson will remain in the dugout for this weekend’s crucial fixture against fellow strugglers Norwich City at Carrow Road.
Savage Staying Put
Former player Robbie Savage only took his first managerial role in 2024 after building a successful media career since retiring in 2011. This saw him take to the dugout at Macclesfield Town, where he guided the club to the National League North in his debut season.
This saw Forest Green Rovers swoop to bring the 51-year-old to Gloucestershire last summer as they target a return to the EFL. It’s a target which appears achievable and they currently sit fourth in the National League.
News emerged yesterday that Savage has earned himself some admirers internally at Blackburn and he is under consideration for the role. However, these have been dismissed by the man himself. Speaking to Forest Green media, he said:
“It’s purely speculation. I loved my time (at Blackburn), brilliant football club.
“I have loved my time here. I have got a great relationship with (the board), we are on a journey and a project and it’s something that I can’t wait to see through.
“It’ll be someone else’s name tomorrow. There’s nothing at all for the fans to worry about.”
🗣️ The gaffer addresses the rumours on social media about the vacant Blackburn job.#WeAreFGR 💚 pic.twitter.com/evgf3k3Yz8
— Forest Green Rovers (@FGRFC_Official) February 5, 2026
Blackburn To Explore Other Options?
A host of names have been linked to the vacant position at Ewood Park, including David Wagner, Chris Coleman and Damien Duff. It was also claimed earlier this week that Reading boss Leam Richardson was amongst the frontrunners.
The 46-year-old only joined the Royals in October in what was his first job since leaving Rotherham United in April 2024. He has overseen a vast improvement at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, losing just three league games to guide the club from the relegation places to the top half of the table.
The Mail claimed that Reading would want compensating around £400,000 from Blackburn to take their head coach. Richardson is under contract until 2027.
