Forest Green launch legal action over Savage approach
Forest Green Rovers owner Dale Vince says the club has begun legal action against Peterborough United over its approach to former manager Robbie Savage. Savage left Forest Green earlier this month to manage the League One side, after Vince initially refused permission for Peterborough to speak to him and later agreed to the move.
Vince alleges Peterborough contacted Savage directly after being refused permission, which he calls an illegal approach. Peterborough has denied previously making an illegal approach and declined to comment on the legal action; chairman Darren MacAnthony said the appointment process followed the rules. Savage joined Forest Green in July 2025, led them to the play-offs, and left with the club 13th after 11 matches; at Peterborough, he has recorded two wins, two draws and two defeats.
In short
- Forest Green has begun legal action over Peterborough’s approach to Robbie Savage.
- Dale Vince alleges Peterborough contacted Savage after being refused permission.
- Peterborough has denied wrongdoing and says its appointment process followed the rules.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Forest Green’s case is that clubs should be able to enforce rules requiring permission before another club approaches a contracted manager, protecting contractual commitments and orderly recruitment. If Peterborough contacted Savage after permission was refused, legal action could clarify the facts and deter similar conduct.
The case against
Peterborough can argue that its appointment process complied with the rules, as its chairman says, and that an allegation of an unauthorised approach should not be treated as established without evidence or a legal finding. The club’s earlier denial and refusal to comment on the proceedings leave its detailed response unclear, but it may contest Forest Green’s account through the proper process.
Explained simply
Forest Green Rovers are a football club based in Gloucestershire, while Peterborough United play in League One, England’s third tier. Robbie Savage joined Forest Green as manager in July 2025 and later took charge of Peterborough.
When a club wants to appoint a manager who is under contract elsewhere, it may need permission to speak to them. Forest Green owner Dale Vince says Peterborough contacted Savage after permission was refused; Peterborough says its appointment process followed the rules. The dispute matters because clubs’ rules on approaching contracted staff help govern how managers move between teams.