Forest Green Rovers manager Robbie Savage has highlighted the critical importance of securing victories against fellow top-seven contenders as his team gears up to face Southend United this Saturday.
Hosting seventh-placed Southend in their first home league match in some time, Savage reflected on Forest Green’s mixed results against other top teams. “We’ve played five of the other six teams in the top seven, and we’ve only managed five points so far. We drew against Scunthorpe and York, beat Boreham Wood, but lost to Rochdale and Carlisle,” he explained.
With Southend also sitting within the top seven, Savage knows the challenge ahead. “It’s vital for us to improve our record against these sides, and we fully expect to do so. Southend will be strong; I watched their recent match against Carlisle, where they played well and should have taken the win. They’ll come here confident they can beat us.”
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Last season’s play-off semi-final still lingers in memory, with Forest Green losing to Southend on penalties after missed kicks by Liam Sercombe and Tom Knowles. However, Savage is confident his squad won’t be hampered by that setback. “This Forest Green side is completely different from the one they beat last year. We’ll have a new style, be playing in a different environment, and we’re at home now. Against any team here, we believe in our ability to win.”
Currently sitting fourth in the league table after dropping two points last weekend against Wealdstone, Savage praised his players' incredible progress. “This was very much a project. We brought in 20 new players this season, and frankly, we shouldn’t be this high up the table. The squad is doing remarkably well, with loan players and others stepping up massively. Being just one point shy of the top spot is truly exceptional.”
However, that momentum was dented on Tuesday evening when Forest Green was eliminated from the National League Cup, losing 1-0 to Nottingham Forest Under-21s. Savage was visibly disappointed with his team’s performance. “We recorded the third lowest number of sprints this season – it was apparent on the pitch. The players who didn’t start put in much better performances, proving a point. We were miles off the pace, and the stats back it up. I doubt any player will question their omission from the lineup on Saturday after this.”
The manager admitted frustration by the end of that match. “I felt bored and flat, just like the team. There are no excuses—when you wear the Forest Green shirt, you have to give your all.”
In response to the recent 1-1 draw with Wealdstone, Savage has been urging his players to take more shots, especially when in and around the penalty area. “This week, we’ve focused heavily on crossing, finishing, and shooting in training — both in unopposed drills and competitive exercises. We want players looking up to find teammates rather than blindly smashing the ball across the box.”
He remains optimistic about the team’s development. “We’re growing stronger, fitter, and more dynamic with each game. Most importantly, we’re having fun and providing entertaining football for our supporters.”