Forest Green Rovers owner Dale Vince says Robbie Savage has been offered the vacant Peterborough United manager’s job, but Peterborough have denied that an appointment has been made.
The conflicting statements follow Savage’s departure from Forest Green and leave uncertainty over whether the former Rovers boss will move to the League One club. Savage had been given permission to speak to Peterborough for what Forest Green described as personal reasons.
What Forest Green said
In a statement published on Forest Green’s X account, Vince said Savage wanted to leave the club and that the reasons were understood and respected. He also said negotiations with Peterborough were under way over the terms of a proposed appointment.
“We gave Robbie Savage permission to speak to Peterborough. He wanted to leave the club for personal reasons, reasons which we understand and respect. He’s been offered the job, and we’re now in a negotiation with Peterborough on the terms. We wish Robbie the very best.”
The statement indicated that Savage’s next move was being discussed directly between the two clubs, while Forest Green wished him well.
Peterborough’s response
Peterborough United have rejected the claim that Savage has already been offered the manager’s position. The club’s director of football, Barry Fry, told the Peterborough Telegraph that Savage had “not yet” been offered the role.
The vacancy became available after Luke Williams was sacked earlier in the month. Fry also denied that compensation discussions were taking place and said other candidates still had an opportunity to be appointed.
That response directly conflicts with Vince’s account of events. The available information does not explain why the two sides gave different descriptions of Savage’s status or whether negotiations could still lead to an agreement.
Rovers search for a new manager
Savage’s position at Forest Green had already become the subject of intense speculation. Earlier reports said he would miss the club’s Wealdstone clash after receiving permission to speak to another club, while Mark Hughes had emerged as a leading contender to replace him.
Forest Green’s next managerial decision now appears linked to the outcome of Savage’s discussions with Peterborough. The club has not, in the supplied statements, announced a permanent replacement.
The dispute over whether Savage has been offered the Peterborough job remains unresolved. Forest Green’s account says an offer and negotiations exist; Peterborough’s position is that no offer has yet been made and that the recruitment process remains open.