Forest Green Rovers have parted company with Head Coach David Horseman, following last night’s 3-0 defeat to Blackpool in the FA Cup Second Round, as per the club’s website.
Forest Green Rovers currently sit 23rd in Sky Bet League Two with just 15 points from the first 20 games of the season with the side five points from safety, which has forced owner Dale Vince into a decision just before the opening of the January transfer window.
David Horseman was appointed Head Coach of the side that were relegated from League One last season in July 2023 following the departure of Duncan Ferguson.
Previously, David Horseman won the Premier League 2 Division Two title with Southampton’s U21s however he has not been able to replicate his success in his first senior management role with him picking up just eight wins in 29 matches in all competitions leaving him with a 28% win ratio.
Forest Green have looked no further than current Player-Coach Troy Deeney in their search for a new boss as the former Watford striker has been given his first managerial role with the current League Two strugglers.
On paper, this is certainly a bold move but the club will have to look no further than the success of their former boss Rob Edwards who at the time of his appointment, had little managerial experience in the senior game except a stint at Vanarama National League North side AFC Telford and is now the boss of Premier League side Luton Town.
Writer’s View
The club’s start to the season so far has been far from ideal for any newly relegated side so the sacking of David Horseman will not come as a surprise to many and maybe a relief for many Forest Green Rovers supporters.
The appointment of Troy Deeney is certainly a surprise due to their current league positioning. However, I do believe that with the backing of Dale Vince in the upcoming January Transfer Window this can certainly be a good appointment for Forest Green Rovers.
Although, if I was in Dale Vince’s shoes, an experienced League Two boss would have been my pick as an interim manager until the end of the season and then this would be a good time for the appointment of Troy Deeney ahead of the 2024/2025 season.
