Robbie Savage Rejects ‘Celebrity Boss’ Tag After Forest Green Rise

Robbie Savage: “I’m Not a Celebrity Boss – I’ve Earned This”

Forest Green Rovers manager Robbie Savage has dismissed claims that he’s just another “celebrity manager,” stating he’s earned his opportunity in football management through hard work and passion for the game.

Ahead of Forest Green’s FA Cup fourth qualifying round tie against Worthing on Monday night, the former Wales international reflected on his journey from Strictly Come Dancing star and pundit to a touchline leader in England’s National League.

Savage: “Strictly Could Have Waited”

Speaking to BBC Points West, Savage, now 50, admitted that if he could go back, he’d delay his appearance on the hit BBC show:

“Looking back now, would I have done Strictly before I was a manager? Probably not – that would probably have come after.

I’m just a passionate man who loves football. I’m not a celebrity manager. I’ve earned my chance.”

Eco-Friendly Roots, Competitive Ambition

Robbie Savage reached the FA Cup semi-finals with Blackburn Rovers in 2005, losing to Arsenal

Savage took over at Forest Green Rovers in July, following success in his first managerial role at Macclesfield. The Gloucestershire club is famous for being the world’s first carbon-neutral football team, championed by owner Dale Vince.

“Dale’s not employing me because of my profile. He said he didn’t know I was a celebrity – I was Charlie’s dad.”

Savage’s son Charlie Savage, now at Reading, previously played for Forest Green on loan.

From Phone-Ins to Tactical Calls

Known to many fans for co-hosting the popular football show 606 with Chris Sutton, Savage has now translated his leadership and football knowledge to the dugout, boasting eight wins in 14 league games so far this season.

“Myself and Chris have a great camaraderie, and that’s what I’ve got with my players and staff.”

He compares the environment at Forest Green to the unity and spirit he’s built on-air.

FA Cup Focus: Worthing Await

Forest Green travel to sixth-tier Worthing on Monday night in front of TNT Sports cameras. With media attention high, Savage says he’s not letting the “potential upset” narrative distract his players.

“The cameras are there because people expect an upset – I get that. But I’m not showing my players clips of Worthing. This is about us.”

He added he has full respect for Adam Hinshelwood’s Worthing side, but won’t use their artificial pitch as an excuse:

“You can play fantastic football on it. If we lose, I won’t blame the surface.”

Savage’s Football Timeline

• 346 Premier League appearances for Leicester, Blackburn, Birmingham & Derby

• Competed on Strictly Come Dancing (2011)

• BBC pundit and co-host of 606

• Macclesfield managerial debut (2023)

• Appointed Forest Green Rovers manager (2024)

• Current position: 2nd in National League