Forest Green Rovers manager Robbie Savage has insisted his focus remains on the club after his side surrendered a two-goal lead to draw 3-3 at Sutton United, as speculation continued to link him with the vacant Peterborough United job.
Rovers twice led by two goals at Gander Green Lane despite playing with 10 men for much of the second half. Jayden Clarke, substitute Oli Ewing and captain Kyle McAllister were on target for Forest Green, but Sutton completed a dramatic comeback deep into stoppage time.
The result leaves Savage facing an immediate selection challenge before Forest Green’s home clash with Wealdstone on Tuesday. The club is expected to have only 17 available players, with Freddie Sass suspended, Clarke booked, Ewing carrying a knock and Filozofe Mabete due to leave for international duty.
Forest Green’s lead disappears late on
Forest Green made the stronger start on the scoreboard through Clarke, who was described as outstanding, before Ewing added a goal after coming off the bench. McAllister then put Rovers 3-1 ahead.
That advantage came despite Sass being sent off in the 52nd minute after receiving a second yellow card. Sutton reduced the deficit through Brandon Njoku following the dismissal, but McAllister restored Forest Green’s two-goal cushion with 17 minutes remaining after breaking into the area and firing home.
Sutton refused to give up. Charlie Carter’s volley in the 79th minute made it 3-2 and set up a tense finish. In the third minute of stoppage time, Temi Babalola headed the equaliser against his former club to complete the comeback.
After the match, Savage praised the performance of his players, who had been forced to defend their lead with a numerical disadvantage. His comments came as attention remained on reports connecting him to the Peterborough vacancy.
Savage responds to Peterborough questions
Asked about his immediate future before Tuesday’s match, Savage said: “You know, football moves quickly. We all know that, but I’m in a position here where I’ve got an amazing owner, amazing people, a great group of lads, and until I’m told otherwise, then yeah, Tuesday’s a game where it’s going to take all our managerial experience from Jonathan (Gould), from Yan (Klukowski), from Josh (Bowen), Mark (Bowen), to put a team out and try and get something.”
Before the Sutton match, Savage was also asked whether Forest Green had been approached about his availability. He replied: “I don’t know. I’ve got a game to prepare for and nothing distracts me from my job – I’m passionate, I care, I’m emotional and I’m relentless in what I do. My full focus is on Forest Green.”
The comments provide no confirmation that an approach has been made for Savage. The source material identifies Peterborough United’s job as vacant and says speculation has increasingly linked the Forest Green boss with the role, but it does not state that Peterborough has made a formal offer.
Academy players could be needed against Wealdstone
Forest Green’s reduced numbers could give academy graduates an opportunity in front of the club’s home supporters. Sass will miss the match through suspension, while Clarke’s booking, Ewing’s knock and Mabete’s international duty further limit Savage’s options.
Savage said Stevie Walsh might receive an opportunity and questioned whether Thomas Conteh could be brought back into the squad. He also suggested that several young players could be involved, potentially making their debuts.
“But whoever goes onto that pitch for Forest Green Rovers will give everything like they did today,” Savage said. “What an opportunity, what an opportunity for those young lads possibly to step in in front of our home fans. You know, probably some making debuts. Go on, go and show people how good you are.”
Forest Green’s next match is the home fixture against Wealdstone on Tuesday, with Savage’s future and the club’s depleted squad set to remain in focus.
