NPL title-winning manager takes Forest Green job

After taking over as manager last summer, Savage led Macclesfield to a record-breaking season as Premier Division title winners, racking up 109 points and scoring 109 goals in the process.

He will now take up a new challenge at Forest Green, who were relegated from the Football League at the end of last season.

Savage said: “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.”

The BBC pundit, former Premier League midfielder and Wales international has helped to bring extra eye balls on to this level of the game since Macclesfield earned promotion to the NPL West Division ahead of the 2022/23 season.

NPL chairman Mark Harris said: “Robbie has been a source of interest ever since Macclesfield joined the NPL three seasons ago. It’s fair to say that, for some, he’s a Marmite character.

“But from an NPL perspective, thanks to him, the League’s profile has been hugely expanded, not least via Five Live’s 606 phone in every week. He’s also a record breaker several times over.

“Last season, his team notched up the highest ever attendance for an NPL league fixture, scoring over 100 goals. Will those records ever be beaten?”

Macclesfield have appointed John Rooney as his successor as they prepare for life above the NPL in National League North.
 

A club statement added: “Whereas we cannot hide the fact that this is disappointing, 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.

“Masterminding a truly historic campaign last season, Robbie’s side broke almost every record going as The Silkmen tore up the history books almost at a canter.

“And yet, all the trophies and accolades somewhat pale into insignificance when it comes to how Robbie engaged with all those who hold this Club so dear.”