Forest Green Rovers recently bid farewell to manager Robbie Savage, who took up the role at Peterborough United, but who could the National League side turn to next?
Savage joined the club following a title-winning season with Macclesfield last summer, but has now departed after winning almost half of his matches in charge.
However, Forest Green themselves have struggled in comparison to their previous season – finding themselves 16th in the table, winning just four of their opening 11 matches.
With their managerial role now available, who could the club turn to next?
What sort of manager do Forest Green need?
Over the last two seasons, Forest Green have had two very different managers – with each one being unable to take the club back to the EFL.
This began with proven EFL manager Steve Cotterill, who successfully managed to guide the club to a third-placed finish with 83 points and just seven league defeats all campaign. However, they were beaten by Southend United on penalties in their play-off semi-final.
Cotterill departed the club and was replaced by Robbie Savage who made it back-to-back play-off finishes, though this time they finished seventh with four extra defeats to their tally and were beaten by Boreham Wood.
Forest Green are currently on track to finish on 63 points, which won’t be enough for the play-offs and would be their lowest points total since being relegated from League Two.
Therefore, Forest Green are likely to benefit from a manager that has proven success in the National League and can utilise the bigger squad that the club has.
Here are four potential options…
Option One: Luke Williams
Former Notts County promotion-winning manager Luke Williams is currently without a club, following his departure from Peterborough United – presenting a possible ‘manager swap’ opportunity.
Williams won 48 of his 80 matches in charge, including their 2022 promotion back to the EFL, after their thrilling title race against Wrexham. He averaged 1.98 points per game and lost just three times in the National League.
He has since earned valuable EFL experience with both Swansea City and Peterborough United and is familiar with the area, having roles with both Bristol City and Bristol Rovers previously.
Option Two: George Elokobi
Though not a National League-experienced manager, former Maidstone United manager George Elokobi has proven himself as an exciting, young coach who’s looking for his next chapter.
The 40-year-old had a well-documented playing career in the Premier League and EFL with the likes of Wolves, Nottingham Forest and Bristol City, but is now looking for his second managerial role, after his stint in the National League South came to an end.
Elokobi guided Maidstone to within touching distance of the play-off places last season, as well as winning the Kent County Cup and going on a famous FA Cup run, reaching round five with victories over Stevenage, Barrow and Ipswich Town.
Option Three: Adam Hinshelwood
Admittedly, this would be at the requirement of a significantly tempting offer due to how strong Worthing have been this season, but Adam Hinshelwood would be another ideal target for the club.
Hinshelwood guided York City to a second-placed finish during his previous National League season, before being beaten by Oldham Athletic in the semi-finals and was sacked weeks later, but has since returned to Worthing and guided them to promotion back to the fifth-tier themselves.
Worthing have already taken the National League by storm this season, losing just three of their opening 12 league matches as they find themselves fifth in the table. Though Hinshelwood appears happy where he is, if Forest Green have EFL ambitions this season – it would be worth making an attempt.
Option Four: Kevin Maher
Similar to Hinshelwood, Kevin Maher is also in a role at present with League One side AFC Wimbledon, though is an assistant manager and a move to main role may appeal to him.
Maher recently left fellow National League side Southend United, after a standout stint for the club. Despite their previous off-field concerns, Maher guided the club from minus points to missing out on the top seven on the final day, before reaching the play-off final 12 months later.
Last season, Maher secured another play-off place and guided the club to triumph in the FA Trophy, following victory at Wembley against Wealdstone. He knows how to utilise his squad, get results and win trophies – all qualities that Forest Green are likely to be searching for.
Forest Green fans, what are your thoughts on these suggestions?
