It was only three summers ago that Forest Green Rovers were crowned League Two champions, but the now National League side have steadied themselves following back-to-back relegations and finished in third place in the fifth tier last season. The appointment of Robbie Savage, a relatively big-name at EFL Level, is an indication of their ambition to return to the Football League.
They have been proactive in the transfer window, with the standout signing to date the arrival of former Sligo Rovers goalkeeper Luke McNicholas.
However, the club are closing in on another impressive deal according to reports.
Forest Green Rovers Prepare For Title Charge
One of the bigger names in the National League due to their recent success in the EFL, Forest Green Rovers appear to have ambitions of an instant return to the fourth tier of English Football. The club sacked manager Steve Cotterill despite the former Birmingham City manager bringing stability to the role after a chaotic period of chopping and changing.
His third-place National League finish and defeat in the play-offs were not deemed sufficient, and he has been replaced by Savage, who has been heavily involved with Macclesfield in recent years and managed the team last season.
Their activity in the transfer window has seen a trio of players join from Savage’s former side, in addition to forward Yahya Bamba from National League South side Eastbourne. The ruthless sacking of Cotterill, coupled with the ambition in the transfer window, are indicators that promotion is the only acceptable outcome at Forest Green Rovers in 2025/26.
The club have now moved further up the pyramid for their next potential arrival.
Coventry City Man in Advanced Talks Over Loan Move
19-year-old Isaac Moore became a familiar face to Coventry City fans when he made an appearance on the bench in each of the final five Championship matches at the end of this campaign. The midfielder has yet to make his senior debut but could be about to kickstart his career in the National League.
Pete O’Rourke has announced on X that the player is in advanced talks to join Forest Green Rovers on loan.
Should the deal go through, Moore would expect to be playing in a team that is competing at the top of the National League, and that experience of potentially chasing promotion will be valuable as he launches his senior playing career. First-team football is the requirement for these young players to develop their game, so the move appears to be of benefit to both parties.
The National League retained lists ahead of the new campaign can be found here on The Deck.