Forest Green Rovers Suffer Pre-Season Loss
Forest Green Rovers manager Robbie Savage insists he remains "hugely positive" ahead of the new National League season despite seeing his side lose 4-1 in their final pre-season friendly to Swindon Town. The loss was a result of fatigue, as Savage admitted his players looked tired after a demanding schedule against higher-level opposition.
Why it Matters for Forest Green
The physical demands of facing Bristol Rovers, Bristol City, Cardiff City, and Swindon had exposed areas for improvement while also leaving Savage confident that his squad is ready for the campaign. He praised the impact of his substitutes, saying, "I thought the subs changed the game. Delighted with their impact. Great goal - Joshua (Osude) with the ball to Ricardo (Rees), good finish."
What Comes Next?
The only absentee for the opening league fixture should be Bryan Ifeanyi, with Jayden Clarke expected to return to training this week. Savage said the club deliberately chose difficult opposition rather than easier fixtures that may have boosted morale with comfortable victories. "We could have had easier friendlies and won games five or six and given the lads huge confidence, but really, was that the test you need going into the season?" he asked.
Forest Green's Next Fixture
The Rovers will face Wealdstone away on 2027-02-16, currently 20th in the table. Savage believes the experience of facing League opposition will benefit his squad. "They're still forming partnerships all over the park. We're giving people minutes. Team talks have worked, substitutions have worked, people have taken things on board."
Forest Green's Selection Dilemma
Savage now faces difficult decisions when selecting his side to face Halifax. He praised the performances of summer signings Kyle Kelly, Omari Patrick, and fit-again Ricardo Rees after they all impressed off the bench. "I've got to sit down with my coaching staff and pick the best team which will give us the best chance of winning," Savage said.
Conclusion
Despite the defeat, Savage remains confident in his squad's ability to perform well in the new season. He believes the positives outweigh the negatives, saying, "We've scored goals, we've conceded a few, everybody's got minutes and thankfully everybody's come through unscathed today.
