Peterborough appoint Robbie Savage after Forest Green departure

Peterborough United have announced Robbie Savage as their new manager, confirming the appointment on their official website on October 2. The former Wales midfielder moves from Forest Green Rovers to the League One club, whose managerial vacancy followed the dismissal of Luke Williams in September. His arrival completes a move that Forest Green had publicly acknowledged was under negotiation earlier this week.

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Forest Green chairman Dale Vince said in a club statement on September 29 that Savage had been allowed to speak to Peterborough and had been offered the position. Vince said the manager wanted to leave for personal reasons, which the club understood and respected. At that stage, the clubs were still discussing the terms of his departure.

The Stroud Times reported that Forest Green sporting director Mark Bowen and Peterborough director of football Barry Fry subsequently agreed a compensation package. Its report did not give a financial figure. Forest Green had Savage under contract, so the move required an agreement between the clubs as well as Peterborough's decision to appoint him.

Savage inherits a side that has struggled in the opening weeks of the campaign. BBC reporting published on September 30 said Peterborough were second from bottom in League One, with one victory from their first eight league matches. Williams had been dismissed on September 19. Savage's appointment follows that difficult start and ends the search for a permanent replacement.

The 51-year-old had taken charge of Forest Green in July 2025 after managing Macclesfield. According to the BBC, he led Rovers to seventh place last season, but their promotion attempt ended in the play-off eliminators. His playing career included spells with Leicester City, Birmingham City, Blackburn Rovers and Derby County, alongside 39 appearances for Wales.

Forest Green have already played without Savage during the negotiations. Press Association reported that Jonathan Gould was in charge for their 1-1 home draw with Wealdstone, a result that extended their winless National League sequence to four matches. Tate Campbell scored the equaliser after Fejiri Okenabirhie had put the visitors ahead. Savage's departure now leaves Rovers needing a new permanent manager of their own.