Peterborough deny improper approach for Robbie Savage after Forest Green complaint

Peterborough United chairman Darragh MacAnthony has denied an allegation from Forest Green Rovers owner Dale Vince that the club approached Robbie Savage without permission before appointing him as manager. BBC Sport reported the competing accounts of the move, which brought Savage to the League One club on 2 October following Luke Williams’ departure.

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Speaking to BBC Radio Gloucestershire, Vince said Forest Green initially turned down Peterborough’s request to speak to their manager. He alleged that Peterborough then contacted Savage directly, after which Savage asked Forest Green about the interest. Vince described that sequence as an illegal approach. MacAnthony disputed that account of the process in a response posted on X, saying Peterborough had complied with all the rules.

Forest Green, who play in the National League, announced late last month that Savage had permission to hold talks with another club. They subsequently confirmed he had been offered the Peterborough position. Vince’s allegation concerns how contact was made before permission was granted, rather than a claim that Forest Green never authorised discussions about their manager’s departure.

Vince also criticised the handling of the negotiations. He said Peterborough verbally offered Savage the job during a Monday visit, subsequently denied making an offer and then indicated they would turn to another candidate. That account remains Vince’s description of events. He said the situation left Savage in a difficult position and led Forest Green to accept Peterborough’s terms for the move.

The Forest Green owner described Savage as a friend and said the manager had expressed a strong personal need to leave. Vince said concern for Savage took precedence over the outcome of negotiations. MacAnthony, in his response, pointed to his 20 years as an owner in the English Football League and said he respected the appointment process. He also wished Forest Green well in finding a replacement.

BBC Sport reported that Forest Green had not confirmed whether they had contacted the Football Association about the dispute. Meanwhile, Savage has secured his first league victory as Peterborough manager, a 3-1 win at his former club Leicester City on Saturday. Peterborough’s next home league match is against Burton Albion this weekend.